Following tips about illegal sales of exotic species on direct-market digital platforms, Puerto Rico’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) announced Wednesday an "Operativo de Escritorio" (desktop operation) to identify individuals and businesses trafficking these animals on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Clasificados Online. DACO Secretary Hiram Torres Montalvo told El Nuevo Día that his agency’s role is to assist in detecting and investigating potential illegal online sales, though DACO lacks authority to file criminal charges or prosecute violators; that task falls to DRNA.
He said a key challenge is identifying sellers, since some use misleading profiles, while others post from personal accounts "out of ignorance," making them easier to trace. Torres Montalvo noted that contrary to public perception, much of this commerce happens on digital platforms rather than traditional marketplaces. El Nuevo Día contacted DRNA for further details but received no response.
According to the joint press release, the operation is conducted under Regulation 9158 of February 6, 2020 (Commercial Practices Regulation), Puerto Rico’s Wildlife Law (Law 241 of 1990), and Regulation 6765 of February 11, 2004, which governs wildlife conservation, exotic species, and hunting.