Vendor caught with exotic animals arrested, charged

An animal vendor was arrested on Saturday night after he was caught selling exotic animals in a pet store in Pasay City.

Jason Aguilar, 24, was accosted by patrolling policemen after he was seen selling a three-foot-long python and a raccoon in one of the stalls at A. Cartimar Market on J. Luna Street.

Police Officer 3 Aneceto Artuz Sr. said Aguilar could not present a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which allowed him to sell such animals.

The vendor was immediately taken to the Pasay police headquarters where he was charged with violating Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act which strictly prohibits the trading of endangered species.

The snake and the racoon, according to Artuz Sr., have been turned over to the city veterinarian office and will be endorsed later on to the DENR Wildlife Bureau.