An investigation into a major commercial wildlife poaching ring on the Avalon Peninsula and the subsequent search of residences and businesses in July has resulted in 131 charges against nine men under the Provincial Wildlife Act and Regulations.

Eight of the men had their first appearance in Provincial Court at St. John�s Thursday. One individual pleaded guilty, while seven others are scheduled to appear in court again December 17. The ninth individual will make his first court appearance December 4.

Eight search warrants were executed in July by provincial conservation officers, with assistance from wildlife enforcement division of Environment Canada, in a take-down in connection with a lengthy undercover investigation into a poaching ring operating in the St. John�s, Mount Pearl, Petty Harbour and Ferryland areas.

The joint undercover investigation, named Operation Market, began in September 2006 to address the illegal commercialization of big game and migratory birds. Additional charges are also pending under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

"This lengthy investigation and subsequent laying of charges demonstrates how the co-ordinated efforts of the various enforcement agencies in the province can successfully infiltrate such poaching operations and bring them to an end," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "These enforcement efforts will hopefully deter potential violators from engaging in such appalling activity in the future. Our government is committed to resource and wildlife protection and we will continue to enforce these laws."

Conservation officers from the Department of Natural Resources remain diligent in their efforts to protect the province�s natural resources. During the five-month period from April 1 to August 30, 2007, conservation officers have recorded 1,137 violations. This includes 150 big game related offences, 245 cutting of timber regulations offences, 226 forest fire regulations offences and 424 all-terrain vehicle regulations offences.

The Department of Natural Resources would also like to commend the public for reporting illegal activity harmful to the province�s natural resources and encourage anyone with information on illegal activity to report it to the local forestry and wildlife management office or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca