The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission stationed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) has seized 3,967 dried shark fins, with a total weight of 488 kg, at the Swissport Cargo Centre.
Estimated to be worth between USD 300,000 and USD 400,000, they were packed in 14 wrapped jute bags and destined for Mauritania.
Initially declared as dried fish, inspection proved the contrary.
According to the Commission, the consignment did not have the required export permit or accompanying documentation contrary to the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115), Section 22(2)(a).
“The seized dried fins were identified to have been harvested from the following species of sharks: Prionace glauca (Blue shark); Alopias vulpinus (Common thresher); Carchachinus falciformis (Silky shark), and Sphyrna mokarran (Hammerhead shark).
“All these species, their parts and derivatives are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and an export permit is required before they can be exported.”
It further reported that the seized consignment is being held, whilst the primary suspect has been handed over to the Airport Police Station for further investigations and prosecution.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more:
Source:
opemsuo.com