On Thursday, September 5, the Brazilian Federal Police conducted an operation called Raptor Legacy, targeting international smuggling in the municipalities of Juazeiro do Norte and Nova Olinda, Ceará. During the operation, authorities seized 56 fossils and semi-precious stones, aiming to curb illegal activities related to the extraction and unauthorized commercialization of materials that belong to the Union. This operation followed the issuance of five search and seizure warrants, four of which were executed in Nova Olinda and one in Juazeiro do Norte.

The area involved, known for its paleontological wealth, particularly the Araripe Basin, has gained attention due to the illegal sale of fossils. The investigation was sparked by the discovery of websites where these fossils were being sold illicitly. Following this lead, the Federal Police identified individuals suspected of involvement in the smuggling operations and orchestrated the raids in both cities to dismantle the network behind this illegal trade.

Post-seizure, the fossils and stones will undergo forensic analysis to determine their origin, which is critical for comprehending the extent of illegal paleontological trade in the region. This operation exemplifies ongoing efforts by Brazilian authorities to protect natural heritage and enforce laws against environmental crimes, underscoring the importance of preserving the country's unique paleontological resources.