Forestry Commission officials at the Kotoka International Airport have seized 3,967 dried shark fins weighing 488 kilogrammes at the Swissport Cargo Centre, following an attempted illegal export.
The consignment, packed in 14 jute bags and falsely declared as dried fish, was intercepted on December 23 after a tip-off from the Veterinary Services Directorate. Authorities estimate the street value of the seized fins at between US$300,000 and US$400,000, with Mauritania listed as the final destination.
Investigations revealed that the shipment lacked the required export permits, in violation of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115). The fins were traced to protected shark species including the blue shark, common thresher, silky shark, and hammerhead shark, all of which are listed under Appendix II of CITES, requiring special authorization for international trade.
The Forestry Commission has taken custody of the seized items, while the suspect linked to the consignment has been handed over to the Airport Police for further investigations and possible prosecution.