Staff of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission (FC) stationed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) have seized 3,967 dried shark fins, with a total weight of 488 kilogrammes, at the Swissport Cargo Centre.
The fins, packed in 14 wrapped jute bags, popularly known as “Ghana Must Go,” are believed to have a street value of between USD 300,000 and USD 400,000, with Mauritania identified as the final destination.
Officials were alerted by the Veterinary Services Directorate at KIA after the consignment was initially declared as dried fish.
However, upon inspection, the items were found to be dried shark fins, contrary to the declaration provided.
The consignment did not have the required export permit or accompanying documentation authorising the export of wildlife products, in violation of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115), Section 22(2)(a), which states: “A permit may be granted for the following activities: (a) to export, re-export or import wildlife and products.”
The seized fins were identified as having been harvested from the following shark species: Prionace glauca (blue shark), Alopias vulpinus (common thresher), Carcharhinus falciformis (silky shark), and Sphyrna mokarran (hammerhead shark).
All these species, including their parts and derivatives, are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), for which an export permit is required.
This regulation ensures that international trade is legal, sustainable, and does not threaten the survival of the species.
The seized consignment is currently being held by the Forestry Commission, while the primary suspect has been handed over to the Airport Police Station for further investigations and possible prosecution.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
