Based on specific intelligence that some wildlife/marine products were likely to be smuggled to Dubai, a special alert and vigil was maintained by Customs officers at the departure terminal at Chennai airport to nab the smugglers. The officers noticed that two passengers were moving in a suspicious manner with a carton box each in the departure area. A close watch was kept on their movement and they were intercepted after they had cleared immigration and were proceeding towards security check.
Both passengers Sathackkathullah, 52 of Chennai and one Abbas, 29, of Tiruchirappali were identified from their passport and boarding pass. They were Dubai bound by Fly Dubai airlines flight No. FZ 8518.
Both passengers were questioned about the contents of their carton box. Both of the passengers were evasive in their reply. Customs officials brought them to the interrogation room along with their checked in luggage for detailed examination. On opening the carton boxes, three white gunny bags were found inside. On opening both luggage, suspected wild life products similar to shark fin were recovered. The weight of the both gunny bags were 9.5 kg and 14 kg respectively.
The suspected shark fins were examined by WildLife Crime Control Bureau officials who certified that same as “processed shark fins” and there was a probability that these belonged to a CITES listed species. Moreover, as the export of shark fins is prohibited as per the Foreign Trade Policy. Total 23.5 kgs shark fins valued at Rs. 16.5 lakhs were seized under Customs Act, 1962 read with FT (D&R) 1992.
It may be noted that Shark fin Soup is an expensive delicacy which is served in high end restaurants abroad. The Chinese consider it a symbol of prosperity and conferrer of good health. The practice of finning is causing the collapse of shark populations around the world. Both smugglers are under arrest and further investigation is under progress.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
