site.btaTwo Million Endangered European Eel Seized by Customs Officers at Sofia Airport

Two Million Endangered
European Eel
Seized by Customs Officers at Sofia Airport


Sofia, January 23 (BTA) - Customs officers at Sofia Airport have
discovered two million European Eel, which is a critically
endangered species, the Customs Agency said Thursday.

The eel was being transported by two Chinese nationals
travelling from Madrid to Sofia. They were hidden in eight
containers, which were checked in. The passengers told the
customs officers that they were transporting food in the
specially packaged containers. Upon inspection, the officers
found bags full of baby eels.

The Sofia regional environment and water inspectorate was
informed about the case and confirmed that the discovered eel
was the critically endangered European Eel (Anguilla anguilla),
which is a protected species under the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora. The species is of very high value, because baby eel are
sold in Europe for an average of 500 euro per kg, while in Asian
countries the price may reach 1,300 euro per kg, the Customs
Agency said.

The eel was taken to the rescue centre in the Varna Aquarium.
The two Chinese nationals are detained for 72 hours. PK/MY



/МЙ/