Truong Thi Hue, a resident of Quang Ngai, has been prosecuted for violating wildlife protection laws after attempting to sell an endangered otter online and transporting it illegally to Hanoi.

On September 17, police in Ninh Binh announced that the Economic Police Division had launched criminal proceedings against Truong Thi Hue (born 1986, residing in Binh Son commune, Quang Ngai province) for violating regulations on the protection of endangered and rare animals.

According to investigators, around 5:00 AM on September 8, officers stopped Hue at an intersection near the Mai Son - National Highway 45 expressway in Yen Thang ward (Ninh Binh) and discovered she was illegally transporting a small-clawed otter.

At the police station, Hue admitted to previously purchasing the otter from an unidentified man in her local area for 7 million VND (approximately USD 280) to keep as a pet. Recently, however, no longer wishing to raise it, she posted the animal for sale on Facebook.

After finding a buyer, she agreed to sell the otter for 20 million VND (about USD 800). While transporting it from Quang Ngai to Nuoc Ngam Bus Station in Hanoi, Hue was intercepted and arrested by authorities.

The rescued otter was immediately handed over to Cuc Phuong National Park in coordination with Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW), where it is now receiving medical care and special treatment.

The small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) is classified as an endangered and rare species, listed under Group IB of Vietnam's highest level of wildlife protection. It is strictly protected under Vietnamese law.

Tran Nghi