The live tiger was kept at the back of the transporting vehicle when one of the traffickers was arrested. — Photo courtesy of the police |
PHÚ THỌ — Phú Thọ Province Police have busted a ring involved in the illegal transporting and trading of endangered and rare animals, detaining three men and seizing one live tiger and one frozen bear.
The local police in Cẩm Khê District have established a special task to combat and dismantle this network since early this year.
Lê Văn Sơn, 58, residing in Sông Lô District of neighbouring Vĩnh Phúc Province, was caught red-handed while transporting a live tiger weighing approximately 265kg on May 11.
Sơn confessed to buying the tiger from Nguyễn Văn Nhân, 55, residing in central Nghệ An Province’s Yên Thành District.
After being summoned, Nhân admitted to purchasing the tiger from Phạm Uy Quyền, 34, in Nghệ An’s Quỳnh Lưu District, and hiring Quyền to deliver the tiger to Sơn.
Cẩm Khê District Police issued an emergency detention order to Sơn, Nhân and Quyền.
At the investigation agency, all three men confessed to their criminal acts.
The investigation agency also seized a frozen bear awaiting transportation for consumption after its urgent search at Sơn's house.
The live tiger has been handed over to the Mường Thanh Safari Land Nghệ An eco-tourism area and animal sanctuary. — VNS