Profepa Inspects Exotic Skin Trade at Cancun Airport and Puerto Morelos

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Mexico’s Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa) has launched inspection operations at Cancun International Airport and the maritime port of Puerto Morelos to verify the legal origin of products made from protected wildlife species.

Inspectors examined items made from crocodile and shark skin, whose international trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Authorities checked invoices, import permits, and CITES certificates — documents required to prove the products were obtained and sold legally without endangering wild populations.

The operation is significant because Cancun International Airport is Mexico’s second busiest for international traffic, handling millions of passengers each year, while Puerto Morelos maintains heavy maritime and tourist activity in the Mexican Caribbean.

Profepa maintains permanent surveillance at ports, airports, and tourist sites because Quintana Roo is one of the main entry and exit routes for goods made from exotic species, many sold as luxury items, accessories, or souvenirs.

The agency said the actions aim to curb illegal wildlife trafficking, an activity considered among the most lucrative illicit markets in the world, behind only drug trafficking and illegal arms trade, according to international environmental organizations.