Quebec authorities say they have cracked down on a poaching ring that allegedly killed black bears for their gallbladders and shipped the organs primarily to Asia.
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Jasmin Larouche, the head of wildlife protection in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, says the ring operated in different parts of the province.
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Larouche said he did not know how many gallbladders were seized.
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The organ is highly coveted for the bile it contains, with some people believing it is effective in treating various illnesses as well as being an aphrodisiac.
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Authorities began their operation in 2015.
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The Quebec Forestry Department estimates about 60 people were involved in the ring and that they face a total of 121 charges.
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