An FCS Russia release says Far East customs prevented “smuggling of Amur tiger and bear derivatives to China”.
Officers at the Poltavka–Dunnin crossing (China) stopped a foreign truck driver. The cab held upper and lower jaws of an Amur tiger with fangs and incisors, two kneecaps and ten bear paws, all fresh-frozen.
The bear paws were sent for examination. The 55-year-old driver said he bought the items from a stranger and hid them knowingly, aware of restrictions.
A case was opened under Article 226.1(1) (smuggling parts of specially protected wild animals). He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to RUB 1 million and is in custody. The operation involved the Primorsky FSB department.
The Amur tiger and bears are protected under Russian law and CITES; such goods may be moved only with a permit.
