A businessman carrying luggage filled with parts from American black bears is under investigation in Eugene, Oregon, after he tried to board a flight for Taiwan.
US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents said Hong-Shiou “Tony” Chiou of Florence, Oregon, had “numerous” bear paws — wrapped in plastic grocery bags — in his cases.
They also allege he had a bottle containing bear gall.
As the investigation continues, a “citation” has been issued to Chiou for the unlawful possession of game parts, and authorities are considering further charges.
A US Department of Justice source in Washington said there was a “booming” market for bear parts, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The source, who asked not to be named because he was not directly involved in the case, said that authorities in Taiwan were cooperating with the US in trying to stop “illegal aspects” of the trade.
According to the TSA, Chiou told detectives that he was taking the bear paws to Taiwan to have the claws made into a necklace for his housekeeper.
He is also alleged to have said that he used the bear gall in a drink to help him sleep.
The agents obtained a search warrant for Chiou’s home and for a barn that he owns. The agents said that they found a number of black bear heads and hides in a large freezer in the barn.
They said Chiou told them he was a hunter and that he also obtained bear parts from other hunters.
Bear hunting requires a special permit in Oregon, but Chiou was unable to produce such a permit, the agents said.
Local newspapers reported that Chiou had been under investigation for some time for the possible unlawful sale of bear parts.
US animal protection group Big Wildlife says that the demand for bear parts, including gallbladders, bile, hides and paws, has “fueled an international bear trade industry.”
“In Asia, bear parts are coveted for use in traditional medicine and hailed as a cure-all for a variety of ailments from sexual impotency to treating fevers,” Big Wildlife said in a report.
“Some believe consuming bear paws will increase strength, while gallbladders will enhance virility,” the report said.
There was “alarming evidence” the trade in bear parts was impacting bears around the world, it said, adding that a dried bear gallbladder could be worth thousands of US dollars.
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