Mated-Queen Air-Freight Trafficking Bust - Equatorial Corridor

Objective

Intercept a shipment of CITES-restricted mated queens mislabelled as live poultry and repatriate seized colonies.

Summary

MELISSA genotyped comb samples from a prior seizure to three protected reserves, fixing the collection circuit. The only Direct-tier target in the active file, sanctioned under Council oversight because the syndicate shoots wardens. Hornet-class flight HV-DRN-07 tracked the forest-edge collection circuit while field team CHARLIE intercepted the crates at the airstrip. Crates, transport, and ledgers only; seized colonies were repatriated, not kept. The Swarm coordinated handoff to community apiary-wardens.

Operational Timeline

• T-4 dMELISSA matches seized comb genotype to three protected reserves.
• T-1 dHV-DRN-07 tracks collection circuit to forest-edge airstrip.
• T-0CHARLIE intercepts mislabelled 'live poultry' crates pre-loading.
• T+1 dColonies repatriated to wardens; ledgers seized as evidence.
• T+2 dCase referred to regional authorities under Council sign-off.

Findings

• Air-freight manifest declared 'live poultry'; crates held mated queens and stingless-bee stock.
• Veterinary export certificate forged; certifying official matched to bribery file.
• Colony genotype matched comb samples from a protected forest reserve.

Outcome

Linked Target

Pollinators at Risk