A British Columbia man is facing charges after allegedly trying to smuggle dismembered black bear paws out of Vancouver International Airport Sunday morning.
Conservation Officer David Cox said that border officials found three paws in the 39-year-old man's carry on luggage as he tried to board a flight to China at around 2:00 a.m.
Through a security screening he was found to have three forearms, including paws," Cox said. "The paws were from at least two different bears. "
The demand for bear parts such as gallbladders, hides and paws, used in traditional Chinese medicine, has fueled an international black market industry.
"There's a significant value associated with these bear parts that people are interested in getting," Cox said.
The suspect was released on a promise to appear in court on October 6. Cox said the investigation is still ongoing.
