On the night of Monday, the 23rd, two men were arrested at the bus station in Mucajaí, Southern Roraima, while in possession of 350 ground canaries. This incident marks the second seizure of this bird species within just ten days in the state, indicating a troubling trend in wildlife trafficking. The canaries were found concealed in cages within luggage that lacked ventilation, food, or water, prompting the Federal Police (PF) to classify the situation as animal cruelty and a risk to the birds' survival.

The ground canary, known as 'canário-da-terra,' is considered one of the most trafficked wild species in Brazil. Many are unfortunately sold for fighting purposes, exacerbating the species' risk of decline. In a strikingly similar case that occurred in 2025, the same duo was apprehended in Pará with 700 ground canaries under similar hazardous conditions, indicating a persistent pattern of illegal animal transport and trade by these individuals.

At the police station, the men faced charges for illegal transport of wild animals, animal cruelty, and qualified receptation. Following their arrest, the canaries were transferred to the Wildlife Animal Care Center (Cetas) of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, underscoring the efforts to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife affected by illegal trafficking in Brazil.