Conservationists see a persistent threat of epidemics so long as tens of millions of animals are traded in Southeast Asia.
Tag: Black Markets
Scientists Created Fake Rhino Horn. But Should We Use It?
Experts are divided over whether flooding the Asian market with convincing artificial rhino horn would help or hurt rhinos’ survival.
The Hidden Cost of Gold: Birth Defects and Brain Damage
Indonesia’s mercury trade is intertwined with illegal gold mining around the world, leaving a legacy of thousands born with birth defects and half a million people poisoned.
Dark Web Drug Sellers Dodge Police Crackdowns
The notorious Silk Road site was shut down in 2013. Others have followed. But the online trafficking of illegal narcotics hasn’t abated.
Mexico Declares Victory Over Fuel Thieves. But Is It Lasting?
Andrés Manuel López Obrador has claimed victory in his battle against fuel theft, but many doubt that the quick gains are sustainable.
Seizure of 14 Tons of Pangolin Scales in Singapore Sets a Dismal Record
If the illegal trade in the scaly anteater is not curtailed, “pangolins face the risk of going extinct,” an official with a conservation group said.
Feature: Shopping in Pyongyang, and Other Adventures in North Korean Capitalism
Far from the stereotype of total economic isolation, the black market has brought a surprising degree of modernity and consumerism — for some.
Hong Kong, Crossroads of the Criminal Wildlife Trade
Despite reforms, the territory is a linchpin in the global traffic in illegal animal parts.
9 Tons of Pangolin Scales Are Seized in Hong Kong
Officials believe the scales came from nearly 14,000 pangolins. All eight pangolin species are endangered, some critically.
Dry Spell: Canada Runs Low on Legal Marijuana Just Weeks After It Goes on Sale
“We need more weed!” a shopkeeper lamented. Suppliers underestimated the demand and didn’t grow enough, retailers said.