After a three-year investigation, Quebec wildlife officials say they have dismantled a black bear gallbladder-trafficking network.
The poaching ring allegedly operated in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Mauricie, Laval and Quebec’s North Shore.
More than 100 black bears were slaughtered over three years, wildlife officials said.
The bears were allegedly killed for their gallbladders, which are worth a small fortune on the Asian black market for their supposed healing properties.
On Quebec’s black market, a bear’s gallbladder can sell for up to $250. Abroad, that figure rises to $10,000.
The gallbladders seized during the searches were put in plastic bags. (Priscilla Plamondon Lalancette/Radio-Canada)
“Each person involved in the network gets a share, so the value increases because there are several stakeholders whose ultimate goal is to reach the Asian market,”
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