An international illegal eel fishing and trading network has been dismantled in the Lisbon area, with nearly 100 kilograms of the protected eel being seized, Marine Police said on Friday.
In a statement, the Maritime Police said its Central Criminal Investigations Unit (UCIC) carried out on Thursday “a mega-operation in the Lisbon area, namely in the municipalities of Benavente, Cascais, Salvaterra de Magos and Vila Franca de Xira, to combat criminal networks associated with the illegal seizure, trafficking and international trade of elvers.”
The operation resulted in “the arrest of three people and the dismantling of an international trafficking network in protected marine species,” the execution of 26 warrants, the arrest of three people and the indictment of seven defendants.
Authorities also confiscated 95 kilograms of elvers (77 live and 18 frozen), “four vehicles, about 4,000 euros in cash, several types of firearms and bladed weapons, fishing gear, packaging material, travel bags, tanks and oxygen supply materials, various documents and digital evidence and narcotic products (cocaine and cannabis),” NCIS said.
The investigation began two years ago and has already led to the arrest of 21 people, the seizure of 420 kilograms of elderberries that were supposed to be transported by air, and 293 kilograms transported by land.
In total, as of Thursday, the volume of seized elver exceeds 800 kilograms, the estimated value is more than 5 million euros (6,500 euros per kilogram).
The NCIS operation was also supported by PSP, GNR and members of the Institute of Nature and Forestry.