In 2023, two of the largest wildlife traffickers in the country were charged with the illicit exploitation of natural resources following search and seizure operations in Cali (Valle del Cauca). The two men allegedly sold exotic and endangered species illegally via social media and WhatsApp groups. Each post included pictures of the captive animals for sale, and they allegedly intended to deliver these to buyers across Colombia. The investigation found that a large number of the wildlife were invasive species that had been illegally smuggled into the country, thus disobeying legal protocols and requirements and endangering local ecosystems. In a building in the La Primavera neighbourhood, the investigation found an Asian python and two Colombian mud turtles. In another household in the Camilio-Decepaz neighbourhood, the authorities rescued two tropical gar fish, a Mexican axolotl, an eel and two Arrau turtles. The animals remained in the care of Cali’s environmental authorities until their possible reintegration into their natural habitat was assessed.