News Release

MIRAMICHI (CNB) – Two men from Murray Settlement, near Rogersville, have pleaded guilty to charges under the Fish and Wildlife Act in connection with an organized illegal moose meat operation in eastern New Brunswick.

Conrad Babineau, 38, pleaded guilty to three counts of offering wildlife (moose) for sale and two counts of illegal possession of moose meat. He was sentenced to seven days in jail and fined $9,600.

Antoine Babineau, 66, was sentenced to seven days in jail and fined $3,600 after pleading guilty to one count of offering wildlife (moose) for sale and one count of illegal possession of moose meat.

Both men appeared in provincial court in Miramichi on June 16.

An investigation by conservation officers with the Department of Natural Resources, coined "Operation WAK," resulted in the seizure earlier this year of 700 kilograms (1,540 pounds) of moose meat, moose parts, cash and various butcher shop equipment.

About 50 violations under the Fish and Wildlife Act were compiled against several individuals and businesses.

Charges are still pending against five other people.

Among the items seized during raids in January were several freezers containing moose meat, 28 moose racks and meat-cutting equipment from two butcher shops.

Anyone with information on illegal hunting or fishing or the sale of illegally obtained wildlife is asked to contact their local Department of Natural Resources office or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.