A pair of Burnaby women are facing several charges under the province’s Wildlife Act for allegedly trafficking in bear parts following an investigation that spanned two communities.
Yunhee Kim is facing nine charges in total, including trafficking and possessing bear gall bladder and bear paws both in Coquitlam and Merritt, while Yon Kim is facing four charges including trafficking and possessing bear paws and gall bladders out of the two municipalities.
Two of the charges against Yunhee Kim are for trafficking wildlife meat, listed as dear meat.
According to court documents, all of the charges date back to a stretch of time between Oct. 20, 2014 and March 25, 2015.
The two women made their first court appearances in Port Coquitlam provincial court on June 25, and are expected back in court July 23. Yunhee Kim’s lawyer appeared in court on her behalf.
While the BC Conservation Officer Service couldn’t offer many details about the charges since the case is before the courts, Chris Doyle, acting deputy chief for the service, said the agency entered into a six-month investigation for violations under the Wildlife Act that culminated in Crown approving the charges.
However, speaking in general, he said the bear parts are wanted both within Canada and outside the country.
“It is a particular concern of ours where wildlife is being used for that kind of commercial purpose,” Doyle told the Tri-Cities NOW, noting investigations of this nature occur from time to time.
“Obviously, there’s a market for it, we have intercepted things that have been heading out of the country.”
The two women, if convicted, face a fine of up to $250,000 and two years in jail for a first conviction.
Doyle is hoping the charges will serve as a deterrent for others, noting this type of trafficking can have an impact on the species and the environment.
“Our job is to protect and maintain healthy populations of wildlife and these types of contraventions can have a direct impact on those populations,” he said.
Though the two women are from Burnaby, the conservation service noted the offences took place in Coquitlam and Merritt.
The conservations service is urging the public to call their toll free 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) to report any poaching or violations.
See more at www.thenownews.com.
