Export of shark fins of all shark species is prohibited under the law
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Monday said it seized 8,000 kgs of shark fins from Mumbai and Gujarat meant for export to China and Hong Kong.
The seized shark fins were meant for illicit export by misdeclaring them as dried ray skins, dried marine products and fish maw, among others, a DRI statement said.
Export of shark fins of all shark species is prohibited under the law.
"The DRI on September 1 seized around 8,000 kgs of shark fins...In all, 3000 kgs of shark fins were seized from a godown at Sewri in Mumbai and 5,000 kgs from Veraval in Gujarat. The DRI has intercepted four persons in this operation, including the mastermind," the statement said.
Investigations by the DRI Mumbai unit have indicated the entire quantity was intended to be exported to China and Hong Kong, it said.
"It has come up during the investigations that the stocks of shark fins are replenished regularly," the statement said.
Exports of shark fins are misdeclared as dried ray skins, dried marine products and fish maw, among others, avoid detection and circumvent prohibition, said the central government agency.