CHINA CUSTOMS CRACKS MAJOR TOTOABA FISH BLADDER SMUGGLING RING

On 26^th December, China Daily reported that China Customs has announced major results from multi-month operation to bring down smuggling rings of illegal totoaba swim bladders.  Operation SY608 lead to the arrests of 16 individuals representing one of the main trafficking syndicates in totoaba swim bladders, confiscating 444.3 kg of totoaba swim bladders.  The totoaba swim bladders in would be purchased in Mexico then transported through multiple transit in suitcases.  It explains that the totoaba is a fish found only in Mexico’s Gulf of California and has been listed as a CITES Appendix I species since 1976, prohibiting international trade in any of its products.

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201812/26/WS5c230d15a310d91214050f73_1.html

Author: raytodd2017

Chartered Legal Executive and former senior manager with Isle of Man Customs and Excise, where I was (amongst other things) Sanctions Officer (for UN/EU sanctions), Export Licensing Officer and Manager of the Legal-Library & Collectorate Support Section View all posts by raytodd2017