Earlier, on April 2, at Highway 279, near Tay Trang border gate, Dien Bien district, Dien Bien district authorities discovered and arrested Cao Xuan Nai when this object was on the way of illegal transport. 27 individuals of large turtles (total weight 10.5 kg) and 4 legs / arms of horses (total weight 13 kg).

The arrest took place more than three months after the effective date of the Penal Code (from January 1, 2018), raising the penalty for wildlife violations (wildlife) up to 15 years or VND 2 billion for individuals and a fine of up to VND 15 billion, suspend operations for 6 months to 3 years or permanently suspend activities for legal entities.

Glad at the judgment, Ms. Bui Thi Ha, Deputy Director of ENV shared: “The Penal Code 2015 is starting to show great meanings in the struggle and prevention of wildlife crimes. ENV hopes this punishment will be a valuable lesson for Nai as well as contribute to deterring those who have been intending to gain illicit profits from wildlife. "

Large-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) and black bear (Ursus thibetanus) are endangered, precious and rare animals protected at the highest levels according to Vietnamese and international law. Specifically, horse bears are listed in the list of endangered precious and rare species prioritized for protection, issued together with Decree No. 160/2013 / ND-CP and big-headed turtles listed in Appendix I - Convention on international trade in endangered wildlife species (CITES).

Under the provisions of Article 244 of the Penal Code, acts of hunting, killing, capturing, transporting, trading endangered, precious and rare species (on one of the Lists listed in Article 244 of the Penal Code) or storing, transporting For example, the sale of individuals, products, or organs which are inseparable from the life of these species may be subject to examination and examination for penal liability.