The Federal Customs Service of Russia reported that a North Korean was caught attempting to smuggle 12 bear paws into North Korea from Vladivostok in the Far East.
The Customs Service announced on Tuesday via Telegram that Vladivostok customs officers discovered 12 paws of Himalayan bears (also known as the Asiatic black bear or moon bear) in the possession of a North Korean passenger bound for Pyongyang.
The individual claimed he failed to declare the bear paws because he passed through the “green channel,” which allows travelers to bypass customs checks.
During a luggage inspection, customs officers discovered several insulated bags containing frozen bear paws with skin, fur, and claws. These bags were concealed inside a box wrapped in black plastic.
This species can be exported only if the Federal Service approves it for Supervision of Natural Resources and prepares a customs declaration form under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Wild Animals and Plants (CITES). They added that the North Korean individual could face confiscation of the items and a fine.
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