May 11, 2009

Illegal Trade In Ontario Species At Risk Results In Jail Term And $4,000 Fine

HAMILTON, Ontario- Emanuele Tesoro of Waterdown has been sentenced to two 90-day sentences in jail to be served concurrently, two years probation and fined $4,000 for violations related to the illegal trade of Species at Risk.

Dubbed ‘Operation Shellshock’, this joint international investigation concerned the illegal trade of Species at Risk between Canada and the United States.  The multi-agency investigation was conducted by Ontario conservation officers, and officers from Environment Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.