Shell smugglers caught in CO
Here’s a cautionary story for those bluegrassers who prefer the tone of tortoise shell picks.
Agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have indicted 10 people after a multi-year investigation for smuggling hawksbill tortoise shells as well as finished guitar picks and fiddle bows into the US from China. The hawksbill tortoise is listed as an endangered species under US law and commercial trade of such items is prohibited.
The value of the confiscated material was estimated at $8,000 and sentences may range between six and twelve months in jail and up to $20,000 in fines.
The Environmental News Service quotes the prosecutor in this case:
“Trafficking in endangered species doesn’t pay,” said Troy Eid, U.S. attorney for the District of Colorado. “We will pursue these offenders across the globe to help save sea turtles for future generations.”
Read the full ENS article online.
Email This Post
| Print | Top | 1 Comment
Much ado has been made recently about a potential restriction on the import/export of particular woods...
No, a Tone Ball isn't some new invention to help improve the tone of your instrument. A Tone Ball is...
Leave a comment
Comments are open and unmoderated for our registered users, only your first comment will require approval before publication. Comments do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bluegrass Blog. Obscene, abusive, silly, or annoying remarks may be deleted, but the fact that particular comments remain on the site in no way constitutes an endorsement of their content by The Bluegrass Blog.
I haver a question. What if the picks and bows were made of pre-ban shell, such as an antique shoe horn or ashtray? I’m seen allot of this kid of stuff from time to time across the south east. Just curious. I like the faux stuff myself.
You must