Customs destroys seized shark and ray products intended for illegal export

The Maldives Customs Service has destroyed a quantity of shark and ray products seized while being illegally exported from the Maldives.

Customs destroyed 582 kilograms of shark and ray products that were confiscated on November 18 while attempting to be exported. Customs stated that the items were identified during a search operation conducted based on information received that such items were present in an export shipment.

Customs said the products were salted shark and ray, and they were destroyed after the Maldives Marine Research Institute conducted tests to verify them. Customs also stated that the items were destroyed on the 22nd of this month in Thilafushi.

Sharks and rays are among the protected living species in the Maldives. Therefore, catching and exporting shark and ray products is prohibited under the International Trade in Endangered Species Act and the General Fisheries Regulation of the Maldives. Violators of this regulation can be fined between 5,000 and 500,000 Rufiyaa, and criminal charges can be filed against them.