19 May 2007
Seizure of bear bile at Tibetan border
(TIN) In a joint operation between an Indian NGO based in Dehra Dun, Uttarkhand, India, and the local Wildlife Department, a seizure of freshly poached bear paws, bile and nails was made at Yamuna Bridge, 24 km away from the town of Mussoorie in Tihri District. The team, led by Conservator of Forests Pramjit Singh had been following a group of suspects for several days before making the seizure. Six people, all locals, were arrested at the scene while trying to sell the illicit wildlife products to a undercover agents. Bile and other bear body parts are coveted ingredients for Chinese medicine. The illegal trade goes from the Indian Himalaya, across the indo-Tibetan border and through Tibet to manufacturers in China who process them into expensive 'tonics'.