NEWMARKET, ON, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - A joint Environment Canada and
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources operation has resulted in
significant penalties against two defendants convicted of the unlawful
sale, exportation and inter-provincial transport of live Snakehead
fish.
1240197 Ontario Inc., operating as Lucky Aquarium in Markham, and an
employee of Lucky Aquarium, Mr. Muk Leung (Jimmy) Ip of Toronto, each
pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket to two
charges under the federal Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and
Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) of illegally exporting an invasive species, Snakehead fish
(Channidae) to the United States and illegally transporting Snakehead fish from
Ontario to Manitoba. Lucky Aquarium and Mr. Ip also pleaded guilty to
four counts under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, of illegally selling Snakehead fish.
Lucky Aquarium was ordered to pay a total of $75,030 in fines and
surcharges with an additional $1,250 to be paid for the publication of
notices that warn of the dangers of invasive species, and outline the
potential penalties for those who defy the law. Lucky Aquarium was also
sentenced to twoyears of probation.
During probation, Lucky Aquarium must meet stringent requirements for
reporting imports, exports, and sales of fish to Environment Canada and
the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
On November 9, 2012, Mr. Ip was sentenced to two 60-day jail terms to be
served concurrently, followed by two years of probation and will pay
$1,250 towards the warning publication referenced above.
Lucky Aquarium and Mr. Ip were charged on June 5, 2012, by Environment
Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at the conclusion
of a 12-month joint-forces undercover operation dubbed "Operation
Serpent" by Environment Canada.
As a result of the joint-forces operation, Mr. Ip received a penalty of
$13,000 for related charges brought by the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service, and the New York Department of Environmental
Conservation Police.
Further information on WAPPRIITA may be found at www.ec.gc.ca/cites/default.asp?lang=En&n=18F4A0BC-1.
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SOURCE: Environment Canada