October 28, 2025 - California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) law enforcement from the Special Operations Unit (SOU) has uncovered extensive evidence linking a business in Los Angeles County to suspected trafficking of animal parts, including rhino horn and elephant ivory.

CDFW investigators discovered what appears to be at least nine rhino horns, thousands of pieces of elephant ivory, several large, intricately carved tusks and a sea turtle shell. All samples will be tested and identified at CDFW’s Wildlife Forensics Lab.

“California was among the first to take a stand against the ivory trade, and our commitment has not wavered,” said Nathaniel Arnold, CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of Law Enforcement. “These operations send a clear message that we will continue to hold accountable those who profit from the destruction of wildlife. The global demand for ivory and rhino horn fuels poaching and organized crime, and California will not serve as a marketplace for these endeavors.”

It is fitting that this case was uncovered in October 2025 — 10 years after the governor’s signature established this critical enforcement authority.

Assembly Bill 96 (AB 96), authored by Toni Atkins, was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in October 2015, taking effect in 2016. The bill expanded the state’s prohibition on the sales of ivory and rhino horn, making California the third state in the nation to enact such protections. With the authority established by AB 96, CDFW’s SOU and officers statewide have diligently pursued the illegal sale of ivory and rhino horn, working to reduce demand that drives the senseless poaching of iconic endangered species.

CDFW encourages the public to report wildlife trafficking and poaching activity through the CalTIP program by calling (888) 334-CALTIP (2258) or submitting anonymous tips via text toTIP411 (847411).

Source: CDFW