Police in Dakrong District of Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam on Monday reported that they are finalizing the investigation of a driver illegally transporting a 200kg tiger in a car.
The officers are investigating Le Duy The, a 43-year-old man hailing from north-central Nghe An Province, for violating regulations on protecting endangered, precious, and rare animals.
They pulled The over after noticing him exhibiting suspicious behavior while driving a seven-seater car with license plate 30F-855.xx at 7:20 pm on Sunday.
As The did not comply with the command but instead accelerated, opened the door, jumped out of the car, and attempted to flee, the working group pursued and apprehended him.
A 200kg tiger is found enclosed in an iron cage inside a seven-seater car in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam, January 21, 2024. Photo: Supplied |
Authorities then found a 200kg tiger enclosed in an iron cage inside the vehicle.
During questioning at the police station, The admitted to transporting the aforementioned tiger from central Quang Binh Province to Quang Tri Province for a fee of VND3 million (US$122).
Tigers are considered an endangered, precious, and rare wild animal protected at the highest level in accordance with Vietnamese and international laws.
The law allows strong sanctions to handle all violations related to tigers with a penalty of up to 15 years in prison for offenders, according to the Vietnam News Agency.
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