Man arrested in Mexico City with white tiger cub; fines for endangered species possession detailed

Authorities in Mexico City arrested a 30-year-old man on August 12, 2026, after he was found transporting a white Bengal tiger cub in his vehicle. The cub was discovered in the passenger seat of a parked SUV at the Central de Abastos market in Iztapalapa. A motorcyclist alerted the police after noticing the animal.

The man could not produce any documentation to prove legal ownership or transport of the endangered cub. Wildlife Brigades were called to the scene and determined the animal to be a white Bengal tigress approximately four months old. The cub was taken into protective custody and will be transferred to the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa).

This incident highlights the illegal wildlife trade in Mexico. According to Profepa, the illegal possession of an endangered species can result in administrative fines of up to 50,000 Units of Account (UMAs), potentially exceeding 5 million pesos. Additionally, offenders face criminal charges, including 1 to 9 years in prison and fines of 300 to 3,000 days.