A blow against the illegal trade in marine animals – and a wake-up call for shark protection.
In Cartagena, the Colombian National Police reported the seizure of 26 shark fins during a surprise operation. The shipment was destined for an Asian restaurant in the San José de los Campanos district and was being received by a foreign national from China.
Origin and value of the smuggling
According to authorities, the package originated from the La Guajira department. On the black market, the material would have been worth around 90 million pesos. The quantity corresponds to the killing of at least eight sharks – species that are crucial for the ecological balance of the oceans and are endangered in many places.
Environmental and legal consequences
“This seizure directly impacts illegal trade, but it also highlights the environmental damage already done. Sharks are indispensable for marine biodiversity, and their hunting is strictly prohibited,” explained Brigadier General Gelver Yecid Peña Araque, Commander of the Metropolitan Police of Cartagena.
Based on the national security and public order law (Ley 1801 of 2016), the affected restaurant was closed for ten days. Meanwhile, authorities launched an investigation to identify the criminal network between La Guajira and Cartagena.
Appeal to the public
The police called on the public to report suspected cases of wildlife trafficking or other threats to natural resources immediately via the emergency number 123.
Conclusion
The discovery highlights the severity of the shark fin trade in Colombia: a lucrative business for smugglers, but with devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Every seizure is a step against crime – and a reminder of the urgently needed protection of sharks.
