Eight wild birds were caught this Saturday morning (9) in Joinville, in the north of Santa Catarina. The animals were in a car, which was approached by the Federal Highway Police in BR-101.

The animals were kept in individual cages – Photo: PRF/Reproduction/ND

According to Agent Giger of the PRF, the birds were purchased from Pitanga (PNR) and will be transported to the municipality of Indayal in the Itajai Valley for personal collection.

Wild birds were taken to the university

Five woodpeckers, two bluebirds and a pepperpot were found in the vehicle, which was approached during a routine inspection as part of Operation Argos at around 11am. According to Giger, the cost of animals online can reach 20,000 reais.

Two occupants of the vehicle that was approached have criminal records for drug trafficking and signed a detailed statement that will be sent to the court. The seized animals were taken to the university in Joinville.