Prince Bandar Bin Saud said the National Commission for Wildlife Protection and Development (NCWPD) now has expanded permissions to conduct search and seizure operations of endangered species being illegally traded. The NCWPD was given expanded powers by the Council of Ministers, Monday after a request to change the sixth article of the Trade of Endangered Species regulation. Prince Bandar said the availability of qualified personnel over the last two years made the request possible. He said the NCWPD now has agents at most of the Kingdom's land entry points and airports to monitor for any illegally traded animals. The amendment was authorized by the Council of Minister, Monday with a stipulation that all searches be coordinated with the Interior Ministry. – Okaz __
