Undercover Investigations into the Illegal Trade in Bear Parts in Singapore 2001, 2006.

In 2001 and 2006, ACRES, in collaboration with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), embarked on undercover investigations to uncover any illegal trade in bear products (especially bear bile and gall bladders) in Singapore.

These investigations followed revelations by bear farmers in China (1999-2000) that Singapore was one of the markets for bear bile products and gall bladders for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and that they were illegally exporting bear bile products to Singapore.

The trade in bear products results in the inhumane exploitation of bears held in deplorable conditions on bear farms. Wild bears are also being killed for their parts to be used in TCM, pushing endangered species such as the Asiatic black bear closer to extinction.

2006 investigation

W conducted an undercover investigation into the illegal trade in bear products in Singapore for TCM from May until October 2006. A total of 23 TCM shops (20.0% of shops surveyed) were found offering alleged bear products for sale to ACRES investigators (recorded on video).

The products being sold were alleged intact gall bladders, bear bile pills and bear bile powder. Most were not openly displayed.

We presented our findings to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and, as a direct result of the investigation, six shops were fined under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 2006 (ESA) and 17 shops were given warning letters.

Although the trade continues, we are encouraged that the investigation revealed a significant drop in the trade in bear products since the 2001 investigation and, together with the authorities and the TCM industry, ACRES continues to work towards the day when there will be no longer be an illegal trade in bear products in Singapore.

Following this investigation, ACRES is now working closely with the Singapore TCM Organisations Committee (STOC) and the AVA to eradicate the trade in endangered species for TCM in Singapore.

Download the full report "An Investigation into the Illegal Trade in Bear Products in Singapore (2006)" here.

2001 investigation

A previous undercover investigation by ACRES in 2001 revealed that 50 out of 68 TCM shops investigated (or 73.5%) were selling alleged bear products.

As a direct result of this investigation, one shopkeeper and one importer of bear products were prosecuted.

Following this investigation, ACRES made key recommendations and submitted reports on curbing the illegal trade in bear parts to several authorities, including the AVA, the Customs and Excise Department, the Singapore Police Force, Health Sciences Authority and TCM associations. ACRES also held meeting meetings with some of these authorities.

Download the full report "The Trade in Bear Gall Bladder and Bear Bile Products in Singapore (2001)" here.