Commercial moose poaching ring busted, officers allege

Undercover investigators have busted an allegedSt. John's-area ring that poached wildlife and then sold it illegally, officials said Tuesday.

About 50 officers including conservation staff with the Newfoundland and Labrador, and federal governments, as well as investigators with the RCMP and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary executed eight different search warrants on Sunday.

"We consider this a large investigation," Hubert Smith, director of the legislation compliance division with the provincial Natural Resources Department, told CBC News on Tuesday.

'Poaching is greedy, selfish behavior that can threaten the future of our wild animal populations.' Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale

The investigation, which began in September,is ongoing, but criminal charges are expected to be laid soon under both the provincial Wildlife Act and the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Officers seized numerous quarters of moose as well as migratory fowl, including eider ducks. Three vehicles, three rifles and a variety of hunting equipment were also seized.

Search warrants were executed in St. John's, Mount Pearl, Petty Harbour and Ferryland. Smith said the investigation involvesabout 10 individuals andseveral businesses.

"Some of these individuals are connected, some of them are not," Smith said.

Convictions under the Wildlife Act carry fines of up to $5,000, and can involve jail terms as long as six months. Hunting privileges may also be suspended for as many as five years.

Penalties under the Migratory Birds Convention Act run as high as $1 million, and anyoneconvicted underthis actcan be sent to prison for as long as three years.

In a statement, Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale said poaching is not tolerated.

"We are protecting our wildlife and natural resources for our people today and for generations to come," Dunderdale said. "Poaching is greedy, selfish behaviour that can threaten the future of our wild animal populations."