Cancun, Q.R. — The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission reported the seizure of 2.1 tons of dried sea cucumber packed for transportation. The agency says they made the discovery during an inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the National Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The fish product, which was detected in customs facilities of the Cancun International Airport, was being shipped illegally. Sea cucumbers are listed on the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, however, there continue to be large-scale poaching and smuggling efforts of the endangered marine creature, which sell for up to $3,500 USD per kilo in China.