Thai Police Halt Maritime Smugglers: Massive Shellfish Seizure Highlights Ongoing Battle

[snoop1130]

 

Thai police forces have intercepted a foreign fishing vessel's attempt to smuggle a vast shipment of shellfish into the country. The significant bust comes as a notable victory in Thailand's ongoing fight against illegal fishing and marine goods trafficking, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding national maritime resources.

 

The praiseworthy operation took place on Sunday 17th November, orchestrated by the Department of Fisheries under the guidance of its head, Banchao Sukkaeo. Alongside Sukkaeo, the Marine Fisheries Protection and Suppression Unit, led by Prasert Khongyean, and half a dozen official officers from Krabi Marine Fisheries Protection and Suppression Centre diligently operated under the parameters of the Fisheries Act 2015 and its amendment two years later.

 

Their concerted efforts paid off in the Ranong district, near the Andaman Sea, where they identified a Myanmarese vessel attempting to illicitly import shellfish sourced in Myanmar, intended for both local Thai commercial markets and wider distribution.

 

Despite the suspects' successful escape during the apprehension attempt, the police managed to secure the smuggled goods. These included the vessel - labelled 'KT 2558' - and 90 sacks of shellfish, each weighing in at 45 kilogrammes. The total value of this illegally harvested shellfish was estimated to exceed 200,000 Thai baht.

 

This operation is a reminder of the illegal fishing activities breaching the Fisheries Act 2015, explicitly as per Section 92 and Section 96, requiring due authorisation to import marine life. Violators face sizable punishments under Section 158 of the Act, attracting fines equalling up to five times the smuggled goods' value.

 

 

The Department of Fisheries has since transferred the seized shellfish to Ranong's Provincial Police Station, marking the start of further legal proceedings. In compliance with department regulations, confiscated marine products will subsequently be distributed amongst Ranong's most underprivileged.

 

Depicting the resolve of Thai authorities, Banchao Sukkaeo reiterated Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Akara Phrompa's call for increased vigilance against such illegal maritime activities. By cracking down on unlawful imports, they aim to uphold Thailand's fishing industry, maintaining its global reputation and contribution to worldwide food security.

 

This latest seizure underlines Thailand's vigilant stance against illegal activities within its fishing sector. As Sukkaeo notes, such efforts have not only immediate local implications but resonate on a national economic scale too. An effective crusade against maritime smuggling like this promises a safer and more secure sea-trade environment, thus shaping Thailand's path to becoming an even stronger global aqua-food source.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-19

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

40 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

In compliance with department regulations, confiscated marine products will subsequently be distributed amongst Ranong's most underprivileged.

Nice touch.

[BrandonJT]

Wait, how did they end seizing the boat and all of its cargo but failing to capture even a single person from the boat?