A MAN has been arrested as part of a police investigation into the international sale of the world’s most vulnerable endangered species.

Officers from Lancashire Police and the national wildlife crime unit raided two properties in Burnley after receiving information that endangered species were being offered for sale online.

More than 40 items were seized as part of the operation, carried out by about 15 officers — including a superintendent and two chief inspectors — and a rare species identification expert.

Among the suspected remains of species seized were rhinoceros, sea turtle, narwhal, albatross, tiger cubs, sawfish, sperm whale, elephant ivory tusks, barn owl and pangolin.

Following the raids a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations. He has now been released under investigation.

PC Nigel Keates said: “As part of a joint operation between Lancashire Police and the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) we executed warrants at two addresses in the Burnley area. The action came following information received about the suspected illegal online trade in endangered species.

“As part of the operation we seized in excess of 40 items. Among those are CITES ‘annex A’ species which list the world’s most vulnerable endangered animals. Species seized include rhinoceros, sea turtle, narwhal, albatross, tiger cubs, sawfish, sperm whale, elephant ivory tusks, barn owl and pangolin.

“A male from the Burnley area was arrested for offences under the Control in Trade of Endangered Species Regulations. He has been released pending further enquiries.”

The Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations makes it illegal to sell endangered species and their remains in the UK, including ivory and rhino horns.

A spokesman for the NWCU said: “Wildlife crime officers from Lancashire Police and the NWCU executed search warrants issued under the provisions of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations, at two addresses in the Burnley area.

“Officers seized a wide range of specimens including rhino heads and horns, elephant tusks, sperm whale teeth and narwhal tusks.

“A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of prohibited offering for sale of Annex ‘A’ species. Following interview he was released under investigation.”

“Enquiries are ongoing.”