April 29, 2008

Unlawful Import of Animal Pelts and Skin Results in Fine

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Kembi (Steve) Manonga of Toronto was convicted in the Ontario Court of Justice on two counts of unlawfully importing two leopard pelts and one African rock python skin into Canada.  The skins and pelts came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a central African country, via France, without a permit. Mr. Manonga was fined $4,000 for unlawfully importing the leopard pelts, $1,000 for unlawfully importing the python skin, plus a victim surcharge of $1,135.  The goods were seized at Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport and were forfeited to the Crown.

Mr. Manonga was charged by Environment Canada for violations under Canada’s endangered species legislation, the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). The charges were laid following an attempt on November 20, 2006, to import into Canada the leopard pelts and python skin without a permit. The leopard pelts and python skin were discovered by Canada Border Services Agency officers individually wrapped in garbage bags, among food items, including smoked fish and vegetables. Clothing made of leopard skin goes for $1,000-3,000 per item.