Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (traffic.megaphone.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Kirk Kiefer has been a wildlife investigator with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the past 15 years. In this episode, he walks us through Operation “Root of All Evil,” a lengthy and complex investigation into the illegal ginseng trade that spanned multiple states, included unmarked vehicles, extended surveillance, buys and sales by undercover officers, and even a fake business.
Our Sponsors:
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers
Here’s what we discuss:
· Wild ginseng root is highly valued for its perceived medicinal properties
· Grows very slowly, taking up to five years to reach maturity
· One pound can be worth up to $1000
· Seeds take over a year to germinate
· Information campaign helped educate stakeholders on the damage caused by poaching
· Many poachers are involved in other illegal activities
· Legal ginseng plants must have three leaf sets, or ‘prongs’
· Case also had multiple prongs
· Prong 1: Undercover officers sold ginseng to licensed dealers
· Compared the amount sold to the amount reported
· Officers then sold ginseng outside the buying season to confirm illegal intent
· Prong 2: Coordinated with US Fish & Wildlife Service to create a fake business
· Business would receive inquiries from those looking to buy and sell illegal product
· Prong 3: Obtain offenders’ assistance in exchange for a reduced penalty
· Task force worked in multiple states
· One offender had been featured on a popular reality show
· The television show actually helped educate the public about ginseng poaching
· Many countries overseas have decimated indigenous flora and fauna, creating a black market
· 110 defendants received multiple charges
· Nearly six years of jail time served, $77,000 in fines
· Kirk’s background; jack of all trades
· Trapping academy
· State officers were made aware of the ginseng operation
· “Giving a little bit, we received a lot.”
· Not all states have Wildlife Investigators
· State of Ohio has done some major operations
· Ginseng awareness for stakeholders training began in 2015
· Operation takedown day finally arrived in 2022
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Art & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
Subscribe:
Find More Here:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices