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Unlawful Import of Threatened Plants Results in Fines

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- November 12, 2010 -- Mr. King Sing Chak of Markham, ON and his company, Tin Shing Hong Ltd. located in Scarborough, ON were convicted November 9, 2010 in the Ontario Court of Justice, after pleading guilty to one count each of contravening subsection 6(2) of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) for unlawfully importing Orchids and Tree Ferns. The court fined Mr. Chak $3,000 and his company $4,500. The fines will be directed to the Clerk of the Court, Ontario Court of Justice. In addition, the company was ordered to forfeit the plants to the Crown. 

The incident leading to these convictions occurred in December 2009, when Tin Shing Hong Ltd. imported orchid stems (Orchidaceae spp.) and tree fern roots (Cibotium barometz), which are commonly used in dried form as medicinal herbs, into Canada without a permit. These plants are protected species of flora listed under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  CITES is an international agreement to regulate trade in specific species of wild animals and plants, as well as their respective parts and derivatives. Environment Canada is the lead agency responsible for implementing CITES and enforcing WAPPRIITA in Canada.