Tiger, Rhino, Bear Parts Seized by Customs Australia

CANBERRA, Australia, June 22, 2004 (ENS) - One of Australia’s largest seizures of endangered wildlife and plant products used in complementary medicines was made in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Friday in a joint operation by the Department of the Environment and Heritage, the Australian Customs Service, and the Australian Federal Police.

"Officers raided five complementary medicine outlets in three states where they found large quantities of illegal imports derived from endangered species that are prohibited under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999,” said Environment Minister Dr. David Kemp.

Australian Customs officer displays some of the seized products. (Photo courtesy Australian Customs)

“This was a well-planned and executed operation resulting in a large quantity of seized products," said Minister for Justice and Customs Senator Chris Ellison. "The market value of these products is currently being assessed, but it will have a dramatic impact on the illegal complementary medicines trade."

In Australia, alternative health is now a A$1.5 billion a year industry. However, the growing popularity of complementary medicines here and overseas has increased demand for endangered wildlife species traditionally used for medicinal purposes.

“While complementary medicine is not the only thing that drives poachers to kill endangered animals and illegally harvest endangered plants, it is a significant contributing factor. The industry must adapt to the urgent plight of endangered species used in traditional medicine so more species don’t become extinct,” Kemp said.

Following a report by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) on the illegal bear bile trade in Australia, a number of outlets had been under surveillance for several months, culminating in the successful raids.

Since 1999, the Australian government has seized more than 29,000 illegal wildlife imports and exports, mostly small imports brought in by travellers for personal use.

This seizure of commercial quantities, which follows another large seizure in October 2003, sends a clear message that the Australian Government is committed to eliminating the illegal trade in products made from endangered species, Ellison said.

Bear gallbladders seized in the raids (Photo courtesy Australian Customs)

“The worldwide trade in wildlife is estimated at billions of dollars and, if it is undertaken in an illegal and unregulated manner, poses a serious risk to the survival of many unique animals and plants,” Kemp said.

Kemp held out hope that people could learn to substitute other substances for those made from endangered species. “Many complementary medicines use non-threatened species," said Kemp, "and there are synthetic versions of some products available, including bear bile. Choosing alternatives assists the continued survival of endangered species in the wild, and helps establish a sustainable complementary medicine industry.”

“The Australian government’s environment, customs and law enforcement officers will continue to police our strict wildife trade laws," Kemp warned. "We are determined to protect threatened species here and overseas, and to eliminate the illegal trade in wildlife.”

If consumers are unsure about which complementary medicines are illegal, they can contact the Department of the Environment and Heritage on (02) 6274 1900. Advice on which wildlife species are subject to controls is available online at www.deh.gov.au