Wing Quon Enterprises Ltd. Charged with Importation, Possession and Sale of Endangered and Threatened Species

OTTAWA, August 29, 2006 – Environment Canada has laid 14 charges against Wing Quon Enterprises Ltd. for allegedly importing CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) specimens without the required permits and for unlawfully possessing and distributing medicines containing Tiger, Bear, Pangolin, Musk Deer and Rhinoceros derivatives.

The company has been charged with three counts of importing CITES controlled plant species without a permit in contravention of Section 6(2) of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). The company has also been charged with nine counts under Section 8(a) of the Act for unlawful possession of medicines containing Tiger, Bear, Pangolin, Musk Deer and Rhinoceros derivatives and two counts under Section 8(c) of the Act related to the distribution of medicines containing Tiger and Rhinoceros.

Environment Canada laid charges against Wing Quon Enterprises Ltd. on July 7, 2006, following an investigation by the Wildlife Enforcement Division.

CITES is an international agreement to regulate trade in specific species of wild animals and plants, as well as their respective parts and derivatives. Environment Canada is the lead agency responsible for CITES implementation in Canada. WAPPRIITA is the legislation used to implement CITES in Canada. Offences under WAPPRIITA are punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding $50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. Further information on CITES and WAPPRIITA may be found at www.cites.ec.gc.ca.

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