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Coordinated efforts between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Environment Canada have brought an end to a seven year long smuggling ring trafficking in narwhal tusks. The case is notable for the use of money laundering charges by law enforcement officials in the U.S. to enforce domestic and international environmental regulations. By using this strategy, environmental agencies will be able to generate and pursue more investigations and prosecutions against those engaged in the trade of protected species. In casting a wider net and strengthening its efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, both the U.S. and Canada will be better equipped to preserve species like the narwhal for future generations to enjoy.