News Release

Environment Canada Investigation Into Alleged Illegal Importation of African Elephant Ivory Leads to Charges

Vancouver, April 12, 2007 - Environment Canada has laid 4 charges against Yuk Ming HO of Richmond, British Columbia for alleged violations of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).  The charges stem from an investigation by Environment Canada's Wildlife Enforcement Division, Pacific and Yukon Region.  Mr. Ho has been given notice to appear in Richmond Provincial Court on April 26, 2007.

It is alleged that in March 2005, Mr. Ho unlawfully imported into Canada African Elephant ivory which had been exported from Hong Kong without a permit, an alleged importation violation in contravention of WAPPRITTA.  Mr. Ho also faces a charge of possession of African Elephant ivory specimens allegedly for the purpose of distributing or offering to distribute parts of an animal considered to be threatened with extinction.

Controls on the international trade and movement of animal and plant species that have been, or may be, threatened due to excessive commercial exploitation are set by the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). More than 30,000 endangered species of animals and plants, including African Elephants, are listed under CITES.  WAPPRIITA is the legislation by which Canada meets its obligations under CITES. The Act and regulations rely on a permit system as assurance that trade in CITES listed wild animal and plant specimens is legal. 

Environment Canada is responsible for the administration and enforcement of WAPPRIITA.  An individual found guilty of an offence under the Act is liable to a maximum penalty of a $150,000 fine or five years imprisonment or both.  Further information on CITES and WAPPRIITA may be found at www.cites.ec.gc.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Regional Communications Advisor
Micheline Brodeur
(604) 713-9539

Regional Enforcement Officer
Marko Goluza
(604) 666-9082