Tacoma man arrested in illegal game meat trafficking

BY Kim Shepard  on September 18, 2012 @ 1:05 pm (Updated: 6:28 pm - 9/18/12 )

A Tacoma man has been arrested in an undercover sting involving the illegal trade of wild deer and elk meat.

"The only time you can purchase game meat is if it's from a legal and licensed game farm. Wild game cannot be poached. Our deer and elk populations cannot sustain commercialization," explains Deputy Chief Mike Cenci, with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

He says the man was allegedly selling two to five animals a week, some whole, some cut into parts. They believe the man had been in business for a couple of years.

The man's arrest was a part of a statewide crackdown conducted by Fish and Wildlife officers and backed by federal law enforcement.

On Tuesday, authorities planned to serve at least 14 search warrants. The raids are being conducted as a part of two-year investigation targeting a widespread black market for elk and deer meat, and fish and animal parts, including the gall bladders of black bears and parts of raptors, or birds of prey.

Suspects include restaurant owners and employees who purchased illegal wildlife game to be sold to consumers without being inspected for safety.

The Tacoma man is one 60 people that could be arrested during the raids. As many as 400 people could face charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies based on information seized from suspects.

Cenci says their operation isn't over and they will be going after some of the Tacoma man's illegal meat conspirators.

Kim Shepard, KIRO Radio Reporter
Kim Shepard is a news anchor and reporter for KIRO Radio and the office optimist. She's energetic, quick to laugh and has a positive outlook on life.
More Local News
Top Stories
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (4)


  • Add A Comment

  • MittensRomney wrote...
    I see the title Crack down on ilegal meat and thought this was the story about the guy who got life for killing gays
    September 18, 2012 5:58 pm
    I am really disappointed now!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    MittensRomney - you got the picture right . . . .
    September 18, 2012 6:05 pm
    .
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ssbn629g wrote...
    mittensRomney
    September 18, 2012 7:42 pm
    go back to your litter box......
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • vern ivan wrote...
    Poachers and friends:
    September 19, 2012 10:23 am
    This is a major reason why legal hunters who would buy tags for deer, elk, cougar, bear and fish fresh and saltwater, kick in the discover pass and we are paying $200. plus for the "chance" at taking game. And the chances are not good. ... This poacher, taking two to five animals a week for two years owes us a bunch. And his complicit partners in crime need to be held just as accountable. The greedy few spoil the hunting experience for the masses. ... When these despots are brought to justice I would hope the prosecution asks for maximum sentences and fines.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }