Arrested couple who bought tiger from Nghe An to cook tiger balm
Mr. Do Van Lan and his wife bought a tiger for 130 million VND from Nghe An and brought it back to their hometown to cook it into glue to sell for profit, but were arrested by the police.
On May 28, Thanh Hoa Provincial Police busted a ring that traded tiger meat for medicinal purposes. The investigation agency is completing the case file to consider prosecuting Mr. Lan (48 years old, in Xuan Duong commune, Thuong Xuan district) and his wife, Ms. Nguyen Thi Oanh, for violating regulations on wildlife protection.
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Evidence of the case was seized by the police. Photo:Lam Son |
In addition, Mr. Hoang Van Hien, 48 years old and Nguyen Van Lieu, 55 years old, both living in Cau Giat town (Quynh Luu district, Nghe An) were also detained to clarify their related roles.
On April 15, police caught Mr. Lan and several others preparing to cut up a dead tiger at their home to make glue. Searching the house, the police seized a frozen tiger carcass weighing 145 kg, 5 kg of animal bones, 10 kg of finished glue and 6 fangs and claws.
The homeowner couple said they bought the tiger for 130 million VND. In mid-May, when they realized they had been discovered, Mr. Hien turned himself in and said he sold the tiger to Mr. Lan, while Nguyen Van Lieu was assigned to transport the tiger from Nghe An to Thanh Hoa to deliver to the customer.
According to Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code, those who arbitrarily keep tigers in captivity for slaughter, to make tiger bone glue, or to take their skin will be fined from 500 million to 2 billion VND or imprisoned for 1-5 years. If the number of tigers kept in captivity is 12 or more, the violator may face a penalty of 10-15 years in prison.
