Fisheries department seize 200k baht shellfish in smuggling bust

Thai police intercepted a foreign fishing vessel attempting to smuggle marine goods into Thailand, seizing a significant haul of shellfish. The operation highlights the nation’s commitment to combating illegal fishing and protecting its maritime resources.

The Department of Fisheries, led by Banchao Sukkaeo, played a pivotal role in the recent operation that took place on Sunday, November 17.

The team, including Prasert Khongyean, leader of the Marine Fisheries Protection and Suppression Unit at Koh Surin, Phang Nga, along with six officers from the Krabi Marine Fisheries Protection and Suppression Centre, set out on a mission in the Andaman Sea near Ranong district. This operation was conducted under the Fisheries Act 2015 and its subsequent amendment in 2017.

While patrolling the Ranong fishing pier, the team identified a Myanmar-flagged vessel involved in the illicit import of shellfish harvested from Myanmar, destined for sale in Thailand and further distribution to central market regions.

During the attempted apprehension, the suspects managed to flee, but police secured the contraband. The seized items included a long-tail boat named KT 2558 and a substantial quantity of shellfish.

Specifically, the haul consisted of 90 sacks of shellfish, each sack weighing 45 kilogrammes, with an average of 100 shellfish per kilogramme, totalling 4,050 kilogrammes. The estimated value of this illegal catch surpassed 200,000 baht.

The illegal activity violated the Fisheries Act 2015 and its amendment in 2017, particularly under Section 92, in conjunction with Section 96, which prohibits the import of marine life without proper authorisation. Those wishing to export or transit marine animals must present valid fishing certificates or documents proving that the catch was legally obtained to the relevant authorities for verification.

Violators face severe penalties under Section 158 of the act, which stipulates fines amounting to five times the value of the smuggled marine goods. The Department of Fisheries has already transferred the seized items to the Ranong Provincial Police Station for further legal proceedings. The confiscated marine products will be distributed to the underprivileged and vulnerable groups within Ranong province, in accordance with department regulations.

Banchao Sukkaeo conveyed that Akara Phrompa, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, reiterated the importance of vigilant measures against illegal fishing activities. The minister emphasised the need for strict enforcement to prevent the unlawful importation of marine products.

This initiative aims to reinforce Thailand’s position and commitment to addressing these issues, which significantly impact the nation’s fishing industry and economy. The ultimate goal is to bolster Thailand as a leading source of aquatic food, contributing to global food security, reported KhaoSod.

“The firm stance of the Thai authorities showcases the country’s determination to rectify these issues, which have far-reaching implications for the fishing sector and the national economy.”