Holguín: Authorities seize illegal shipment of protected marine species
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- Published in Holguin
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Customs authorities at Frank Pais International Airport in Holguín seized 121 kilograms of protected marine species this weekend, including hawksbill turtle meat, which a couple was attempting to smuggle to the United States, Armando Rodriguez Batista, Minister of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA by its Spanish acronym), reported on his Facebook profile.
The National Office of Environmental Regulation and Safety (ORSA) in Holguin reported that the shipment included 65 kilograms of hawksbill turtle meat (Eretmochelysimbricata), a critically endangered species, 42 kilograms of crab meat, and four kilograms of lobster tail.
The individuals involved, from the municipality of Puerto Padre, were arrested and turned over to the National Revolutionary Police. The man received a fine of 22,000 Cuban pesos for repeat offenses against nature, while the woman was fined 10,000 pesos.
CITMA clarified that the international trade of hawksbill turtles is prohibited by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and emphasized the significant damage this trafficking causes to national biodiversity.
Customs authorities indicated that, in addition to administrative fines, they are evaluating the provisions of the Penal Code to apply more severe sanctions, given the magnitude of the ecological damage caused.
The seizure in Holguín adds to other recent cases that reflect the persistence of the illegal trafficking of marine species, which requires strengthening the legal response and control measures, as well as environmental education to protect the country's natural heritage.
The Office of the Specialized Marine Resources (ORSA) maintains close collaboration with Customs and other entities to combat these types of crimes and preserve Cuban biodiversity. (Source: ACN)
