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Post by hewi on May 20, 2015 0:06:09 GMT -8
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Post by bichos on May 20, 2015 1:16:40 GMT -8
Cool, I didn't know there were "150 Species" of birdwings.
On a serious note they really have no idea. I wish Alexander all the best, my thoughts are with him.
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Post by africaone on May 20, 2015 1:55:39 GMT -8
I hope he will avoid prison  Dur Alex sed lex |
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Post by exoticimports on May 20, 2015 4:52:26 GMT -8
On one hand, we know they aren't "endangered" it's all a political game.
I can tell you from experience that even with all the legal export permits, import permits, and CITES permits, going through USFWS inspection is a crap shoot. Last bunch of stuff I brought through LAX got impounded for a couple days and guess who paid for that ($400). So I can see why some people just avoid the cost and nuisance and walk through.
That said, USFWS need good publicity, and he handed it to them on a silver platter.
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Post by nosorog on May 20, 2015 12:03:56 GMT -8
They meant 150 specimens, not species, of birdwings. I also hope Alex will avoid prison. Chuck Kondor spent 5 months in prison and lost his collection (!), but I'm guessing Chuck's illegal activities were much more serious. Interestingly, I bought some beetles from both of them. It seems they both (re)sold specimens from Michael Hudson's collection. I think it's okay to share this link in this topic. Be safe and follow the law, friends! |
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Post by ornithorchid on May 20, 2015 15:57:05 GMT -8
Yea give me a break US airports.
If there are O. alexandrae OK. But if these specimens are O. priamus, goliath, or stuff like meridionalis or various variations I don't see why making a big deal... They all specimens from breeding.
On a different topic I used to be busted for bringing Foie Gras in glass jars from Europe... Why would I pay 200$ for the same product originating from the same place while I can get it for 30$ on my holiday trip back home.
Wishing him the best.
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Post by Zacatak on May 20, 2015 17:08:01 GMT -8
Oh wow... Shocking to hear this. We are all thinking of you Alex, hope things are sorted properly. I agree that the specimens will be all cites 2. I'm not fully aware of the penalties associated in America for cites 2, knowing they are permitted with the correct documentation. But by the sounds of it he's tried to get them all in without the necessary paperwork hoping that they have passed through with maybe a huge bulk of specimens (maybe not Ornithoptera related). But yeah the whole thing is totally taken out of context and used in a way for a story to get attention. but I'm wondering why he was game enough to directly carry these specimens with the obvious chance he would be searched.
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Post by jshuey on May 21, 2015 6:43:31 GMT -8
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Post by wollastoni on May 21, 2015 7:02:09 GMT -8
"Alex is young, brash, and seemingly fearless when it comes to collecting insects. " --> as was A.S. Meek  I am sure Alex will solve this mess. |
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Post by admin on May 21, 2015 7:24:36 GMT -8
Alex told me it was only Schedule II insects he brought in. He had the CITES papers for them but they didn't arrive in time to his declared port of entry. So that whole story is overblown. He is not a smuggler of endangered species.
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Post by jshuey on May 21, 2015 7:45:53 GMT -8
Alex told me it was only Schedule II insects he brought in. He had the CITES papers for them but they didn't arrive in time to his declared port of entry. So that whole story is overblown. He is not a smuggler of endangered species. That is good to hear. It's a killer when paperwork doesn't move fast enough to match flight schedules. I should also add that he's smart and earnest as well. I hope he get's everything straightened out. John |
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Post by beetlehorn on May 21, 2015 13:14:27 GMT -8
I agree. I certainly hope this young man gets out of this mess, and I also hope that USFWS doesn't make matters worse for him than they actually are.
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Post by trehopr1 on May 21, 2015 20:12:44 GMT -8
As nosorog says: be safe and follow the law ! USFWS IS THE LAW governing all wildlife here in the U.S. And they mean business. They don't accept excuses. If you bring stuff over here improperly documented OR undocumented you will put yourself squarely in their crosshairs. They have already made examples of others over the last 25 or so years. Being young, brash and fearless is tantamount to "swift-kicking a half sleeping grizzly bear". Not only are you going to bleed --- your going to endure a pummeling that will MORE THAN hurt !
USFWS has far more resources to call upon than any one individual. More lawyers, more cash, and more penalties than you care to think about. The U.S. taxpayer has THEIR lawyer expense covered. Yours comes out of your pocket. And so do all the penalties and fines. Not to mention the fact that they have probably confiscated and kept ALL relevant material. And let us not forget that since you 've been put under their microscope they may even seize what you have in your home including any collections.
This is an agency NOT to be trifled with. Know the rules. Be transparent in all your dealings. And don't use ignorance as a reason to stand in their spotlight !
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Post by admin on May 21, 2015 21:20:27 GMT -8
The case is pending. Alex is not in jail.
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Post by exoticimports on May 22, 2015 7:22:18 GMT -8
Alex told me it was only Schedule II insects he brought in. He had the CITES papers for them but they didn't arrive in time to his declared port of entry. So that whole story is overblown. He is not a smuggler of endangered species. If he declared the specimens w/o CITES paperwork, then the specimens should have been seized (not abandoned) and put into a bonded warehouse, and no charges filed. Heck, they seized and impounded my specimens at LAX even though I'd phoned ahead and had ALL the proper paperwork. Though the USFWS inspector told me- repeatedly- that I "did everything right" the Agent in Charge of the regional office apparently wanted to make my life miserable. |
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