Jewelry shop raided after tourist complaint

PHUKET TOWN: The manager of a major Phuket jewelry shop was arrested on Friday on a charge of illegal possession of shells and corals that are listed as protected species. Fishery Department officers visited the shop after receiving a complaint from a Thai tourist. They found the shell of a giant scaly clam, two Tritinid shells, and 110 pieces of coral, all in fish tanks being used for decoration in the shop. The officers returned with police who charged the shop’s manager with the offence. He denied the charge and was released on bail. The maximum penalty for illegal possession of protected species, or products made from them, is four years in prison or a fine of 40,000 baht, or both.