http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/377129.html
Two accused of smuggling four endangered fish
Updated: 06/24/08 6:51 AM
LEWISTON ? An officer at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge thought there was something fishy about two men from Long Island who tried to cross the bridge into the United States over the weekend.
And after the officer questioned the two men for a while and searched their vehicle, he arrested them on charges of smuggling four Asian dragon fish ? an endangered species ? over the border.
Robert Battaglia, 40, and Richard Feustel, 59, are accused of illegal importation of wildlife. They were arrested by U. S. Customs & Border Protection officers Saturday and appeared in federal court Monday.
Officers said the live Asian arowana fish were found in bags of water, hidden in the spare tire well of the car.
Authorities said Battaglia told officers he paid $1,000 each for the fish in a Toronto pet store and was planning to take them to New York City. Authorities said the long, slender fish are considered lucky by some Chinese people because of their resemblance to a Chinese dragon.
The fish were turned over to the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service to be used as evidence by federal prosecutors. Customs & Border Protection officials said the fish are considered an endangered species and cannot be possessed in the U. S. without a permit.
Two accused of smuggling four endangered fish
Updated: 06/24/08 6:51 AM
LEWISTON ? An officer at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge thought there was something fishy about two men from Long Island who tried to cross the bridge into the United States over the weekend.
And after the officer questioned the two men for a while and searched their vehicle, he arrested them on charges of smuggling four Asian dragon fish ? an endangered species ? over the border.
Robert Battaglia, 40, and Richard Feustel, 59, are accused of illegal importation of wildlife. They were arrested by U. S. Customs & Border Protection officers Saturday and appeared in federal court Monday.
Officers said the live Asian arowana fish were found in bags of water, hidden in the spare tire well of the car.
Authorities said Battaglia told officers he paid $1,000 each for the fish in a Toronto pet store and was planning to take them to New York City. Authorities said the long, slender fish are considered lucky by some Chinese people because of their resemblance to a Chinese dragon.
The fish were turned over to the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service to be used as evidence by federal prosecutors. Customs & Border Protection officials said the fish are considered an endangered species and cannot be possessed in the U. S. without a permit.
