7 charged in illegal big-game meat-trafficking operation

Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers have charged seven people after uncovering a big-game meat trafficking network operating near Lac Ste. Anne in central Alberta.

Officers seized 322 packages of moose and elk meatworth an estimated $6,500 on the black marketalong with $1,105 in cashand a 2013 Ford F-150 truck.

Following tips, the undercover wildlife enforcement officers posed as potential buyers and sellers online to sniff out the wildlife traffickers.

Any unregulated trade in wildlife will help fuel a demand for the meat on the black market and that could lead to more poaching and more pressure on these animals' populations," said Brendan Cox with Alberta Justice and the office of the Solicitor General.

The seven individuals have been charged with 23 counts under the Wildlife Act.

According to a message posted to the Alberta Justice andSolicitor Generals website, selling the meat is illegal butprocessing big game meat and mounting animal heads is allowed.