Gibson Guitar Accused of Violating Environmental Laws
11.18.09 9:09 AM
Nashville’s Gibson Guitar was raided earlier this week and accused of violating federal environmental laws. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presented a warrant at the guitar company’s manufacturing plant and proceeded to go through the company’s inventory. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alleges that Gibson has violated the Lacey Act by manufacturing guitars with Madagascar rosewood, an endangered wood. For the full article in the Tennessean, please click here.
The Lacey Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 3371 - 3378 provides generally that it is unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any fish or wildlife or plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law, treaty, or regulation of the United States or in violation of any Indian tribal law whether in interstate or foreign commerce.
A violation of the Lacey Act can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per each violation or maximum criminal sanctions of $20,000 in fines and/or up to five years imprisonment. In addition, anything taken in violation of the Lacey Act may be subject to forfeiture as well as all vessels, vehicles, aircraft, and other equipment used to aid in the transportation or acquisition of fish or wildlife or plants.
Many thanks to Jeremy Brook for bringing this article to my attention!
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I guess the resale value of my Les Paul will go up!
– Nip · January 31, 2011, 4:22PM