News Release

Minister Baird Applauds Break-Up of Major Endangered Species Smuggling Ring

OTTAWA, September 26, 2007 - Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, today released the following statement in response to news that Environment Canada enforcement officers, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries officers, have dismantled a major ring involved in the smuggling of queen conch meat, an internationally protected marine endangered species.

"This operation clearly demonstrates the need to get tough on the killing and smuggling of endangered species," said Minister Baird.  "The Government of Canada is committed to do its part domestically and internationally to stop the illegal trafficking of species at risk.  Strong enforcement of our environmental laws will protect our wildlife and ensure clean air, water and green spaces for the benefit of all Canadians."

Operation Shell Game, an 18-month long investigation, involved federal wildlife officers in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Florida.  Canadian and U.S. border officials also contributed to the investigation.  The smuggling operation is believed to have been responsible for illegally importing and/or exporting 119,978 kilograms (263,953 lbs, the equivalent of nearly seven fully loaded semi trailers) of queen conch (Strombus gigas) meat from several Caribbean and South American countries to Canada and the United States.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank our enforcement officers for the hard work they continue to do to enforce our environmental laws.  We need to be constantly on guard to protect our endangered species, and get tough on those who break the law."

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