A Blow Against the Illegal Trade in Marine Animals – and a Wake-Up Call for Shark Conservation.
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 neighborhood and was received by a foreign national from China.
Origin and Value of the Smuggled Goods
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 threatened with extinction in many areas.
Environmental and Legal Consequences
"With this seizure, the illegal trade is directly hit, but at the same time, the environmental damage already caused becomes apparent. Sharks are indispensable for the biodiversity of the seas, 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 Order Law (Ley 1801 of 2016), the affected restaurant was closed for ten days. At the same time, authorities launched investigations to identify the criminal network operating between La Guajira and Cartagena.
Appeal to the Public
The police urged 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 dramatic nature 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 urgent need to protect sharks.
