Dominican nationals charged for smuggling American eels from Puerto Rico
Two Dominican Republic nationals have been charged with smuggling protected American eels from Puerto Rico.
Saul Enrique José De La Cruz and Simon De La Cruz Paredes were indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, following their appearance in court.
Coast Guard busts smuggling operation
The United States Coast Guard apprehended both men on February 21, about 39 nautical miles north of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
Prosecutors allege that the Coast Guard discovered 22 bags of live juvenile American eels on the vessel they were traveling on.
Serious charges
The defendants face serious charges, including knowingly exporting and attempting to export juvenile American eels from the United States without declaring the merchandise to officials of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Additionally, they are accused of failing to heave to the US Coast Guard, a violation that could land them up to twenty years in prison if convicted.
Government’s stance
US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Stephen Muldrow, emphasized the importance of combatting such organized crimes, citing the threat they pose to the country’s biodiversity.
Muldrow reiterated the commitment of the US Attorney’s Office to enforce federal environmental protection laws, holding violators accountable for the harm they cause to animals, resources, and habitats within Puerto Rico.
Smuggling threatens Eel population
Commander Gerard Wenk, Sector San Juan chief of response, underscored the severity of the case, pointing out the extreme measures smuggling organizations take to flout US fishing laws.
He highlighted the risks posed to the American eel population in the Caribbean, condemning the illicit activity.
Demand drives illegal trade
Juvenile American eels are in high demand on the black market, particularly in Asia, where they fetch lucrative prices.
The inability to breed these eels in captivity has exacerbated the issue, leading poachers to target juveniles for sale to aquaculture facilities in Asia.
These facilities raise them into adults for consumption in various dishes, including sushi.
