468 paws from at least 117 illegally slain brown bears seized en route to China

The seizure of the animal parts was made  between Chita and the Zabaykalsk border crossing into China.

The poached paws and elk lips were hidden in 32 bags with the intention to smuggle them to China, said police.

Olesya Ivanova, an interrogator for TransBaikal police, said: ‘When the minibus driver was stopped, he said that his cargo was meat, but failed to provide any documents. 

‘The driver was told to follow police to their local office. 

‘Inside the bags we found 468 bear paws and 37 elk lips.’

The damage to nature by such barbaric actions is certainly a lot higher than the driver’s profit. Picture: Vesti Chita

Tatiana Kuznetsova, of the regional FSB security service office, said: ‘We have all reasons to believe that confiscated bear paws and elk lips were destined for sale in China. 

‘Given the black market average price for these items, the driver could have received a profit of more than 1.5 million roubles ($26,000). 

‘The damage to nature by such barbaric actions is certainly a lot higher than the driver’s profit.’ 

It was a tip from an FSB source that led to the TransBaikal region seizure, one of the biggest-ever by police.

Law enforcement is now seeking the culprits behind the illegal hunting. Picture: Vesti Chita 

Bear paws and elk lips are seen as a favourite food delicacy in China and other Asian countries. 

Other bear parts such as gallbladder, liver, bile and testicles are seen as prized aphrodisiacs.

The driver, who has not been named, of the minibus is facing administrative charges.

Criminal action is not ruled out.

Law enforcement is now seeking the culprits behind the illegal hunting.

‘It is clear as day that no hunting official could issue licenses to shoot 150 or so bears’, said Tsypylma Zhamsaranova of Russia’s veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor.

Pictures below: Vesti Chita