U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers seized this stuffed rhinoceros head, with artificial horns, in a raid at Win Lee Corp. in Westminster (Katie Falkenberg / For The Times) |
WESTMINSTER, Calif. (KTLA) -- Authorities seized 20 rhino horns, along with more than $1 million in cash, $1 million in gold bars and Rolex watches in raids on an alleged international smuggling ring.
More than 150 federal agents and local law enforcement officers raided homes and businesses in dozens of states over the weekend.
They made several arrests, including three alleged traffickers in Southern California.
49-year-old Jimmy Kha and his girlfriend, 41-year-old Mai Nguyen, of Highland, along with Kha's son, Felix, 26, were taken into custody.
Authorities searched Kha's import-export business in Westminster, his safety deposit boxes and his home in Garden Grove.
The father and son were arrested at LAX. They both remain in custody.
Nguyen is set to be released on $50,000 bail.
They face four counts each of rhino horn trafficking, which violates federal laws protecting endangered species.
Agents say the horns can go for as much as $25,000 per pound.
Some cultures believe the horns are good luck charms and use them for medicinal purposes, including cancer treatment.
More than 150 federal agents and local law enforcement officers raided homes and businesses in dozens of states over the weekend.
They made several arrests, including three alleged traffickers in Southern California.
49-year-old Jimmy Kha and his girlfriend, 41-year-old Mai Nguyen, of Highland, along with Kha's son, Felix, 26, were taken into custody.
Authorities searched Kha's import-export business in Westminster, his safety deposit boxes and his home in Garden Grove.
The father and son were arrested at LAX. They both remain in custody.
Nguyen is set to be released on $50,000 bail.
They face four counts each of rhino horn trafficking, which violates federal laws protecting endangered species.
Agents say the horns can go for as much as $25,000 per pound.
Some cultures believe the horns are good luck charms and use them for medicinal purposes, including cancer treatment.
