DRI seizes 8,000 kgs of shark fins bound for China

In a breakthrough to neutralise smuggling network engaged in wildlife crime, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Monday said it had seized 8,000 kgs of shark fins from Mumbai and Gujarat, which were meant for illicit export to China and Hong Kong and added that it had intercepted four persons, including the mastermind.

“The DRI on September 1 seized around 8,000 kgs of shark fins...In all, 3000 kgs of shark fins were seized from a godown at Sewri in Mumbai and 5,000 kgs from Veraval in Gujarat. The DRI has intercepted four persons in this operation, including the mastermind,” according to a DRI statement.

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The seized shark fins were meant for illicit export by mis-declaring them as dried ray skins, dried marine products and fish maw, among others, the DRI said adding that the entire quantity was intended to be exported to China and Hong Kong.

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“Investigations by the DRI Mumbai unit have indicated the entire quantity was intended to be exported to China and Hong Kong. It has come up during the investigations that the stocks of shark fins are replenished regularly,” the DRI statement added.

(With inputs from PTI)