Nemoćne životinje u službi krijumčara droge

Krijumčari životinje koriste u krijumčarenju droge, kao kućne ljubimce, modne dodatke, sredstvo za uništavanje protivnika...

Far from the jungle that named him king...this lion was discovered on a Mexican drug lord's property.

From monkeys to tarantulas and rare birds that can fetch as much as $90,000, exotic animals are now easy prey for drug traffickers.

Authorities find they are traded along with drugs...used as vessels to transport drugs across borders....and bought and sold as symbols of status and fear.

Some cartel leaders have even been reported to throw rivals to their cats for food.

President of the Mexican Association for Animal Rights Gustavo Larios.

SOUNDBITE: Gustavo Larios, President of the Mexican Association for Animal Rights, saying (Spanish): "Drug traffickers enjoy going to bull runs, cock fights, or host dog fights at their homes and private zoos. In part, it's what gives image to a person with money who lacks education and has poor ethics. It's something that's been fashionable among them for many years. They have always liked having that."

In a global trade that totals an estimated $20 billion a year, China and the U.S. are the largest markets for illegal animals and animal products...making the U.S.- Mexico border a smuggling corridor tread by some of the world's most exotic species.

Katharine Jackson, Reuters.