Man convicted of smuggling fish into US

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Canadian pet dealer was convicted of smuggling invasive and endangered species into the United States. The Ontario resident, 49-year-old Muk Leung “Jim” Ip, is charged with selling and smuggling exotic species.

Ip pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of illegal commercialization of fish, shell fish, crustaceans and wildlife.

Ip is accused of selling snakeheads and axolotls to undercover agents. Ip allegedly knew the species would be illegally transported to the United States.

"This cross-border investigation shut down an operation that put the Great Lakes, among New York’s most treasured natural resources, in jeopardy," Attorney General Schneiderman said. "Our office is committed to protecting the environment and we will prosecute those who put their own greed above the law."