Four Saskatchewan residents, including three from Sandy Bay, have been charged with wildlife trafficking offences and face thousands of dollars in fines after illegally buying and selling bear parts.
The charges come after a 30-month investigation by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and conservation officers into bear organs and parts being both bought and sold illegally. After conservation officers were notified that a restaurant in Sandy Bay was buying bear parts illegally, including gallbladders and paws, the investigation found individuals in Saskatoon and Toronto were also involved.
Three Sandy Bay residents – 36-year-old Li Gen Han, 36-year-old Lianshun Li and 34-year-old Marcel Sewap – each face counts of trafficking of wildlife. Han faces seven counts and a $23,800 fine, while Li was charged with three counts and a $8,400 fine. Sewap received one charge and a $2,800 fine.
Saskatoon resident Lianhua Chi, 56, was fined $29,120 for seven counts of trafficking in wildlife. All four Saskatchewan residents arrested were also given five-year suspensions from purchasing hunting licences.
A Toronto resident who was not named by Saskatchewan Environment was also charged and faces a $3,250 fine for purchasing bear gallbladders illegally harvested in Saskatchewan.
