A woman from Maidstone has been fined a total of $12,000 after an investigation into wildlife trafficking and illegal transport of wildlife parts.
A public tip in March, 2022 to the Ministry of Community Safety’s general investigations section launched a probe into the suspected trafficking of bear gallbladders. Conservation officers began their investigation in Maidstone, later expanding the case into British Columbia, where a second suspect was identified.
The Saskatchewan portion of the investigation concluded in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Nov. 24.
Weol Ran Lee of Maidstone pleaded guilty to trafficking in wildlife, including black bear paws and gallbladders. She was fined $7,000 and received a five-year hunting suspension.
Second fine – Unlawful transport between provinces
Lee also admitted to unlawfully transporting wildlife parts between provinces and purchasing bear paws in Saskatchewan before taking them to Alberta. She was fined an additional $5,000, banned from possessing bear parts for five years, and was ordered to forfeit all money seized during the investigation.
Second suspect fined
A second suspect — a family member of Lee’s — pleaded guilty in B.C. in August to unlawful possession and wildlife trafficking involving bear parts. They were fined $9,875.
In a statement, Saskatchewan government said wildlife trafficking “undermines lawful hunting, devalues public natural resources, and can negatively affect wildlife populations and broader ecosystem health.” The province also emphasized the importance of citizen reports in supporting enforcement and protecting wildlife.
Tip reporting
If you see or hear about someone harming wildlife or the environment, you can report it by calling Saskatchewan’s free Turn in Poachers and Polluters TIPP line at 1‑800‑667‑7561. You can also report it online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp. You don’t have to give your name, and you might even qualify for a cash reward through the SaskTIP program.
