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Raid in London
seizes endangered species
Officers from the Met's Wildlife Crime Unit
have this morning, 29th October 2007, seized a shipment of a live
endangered species at an address in east London.
Working with Redbridge Borough Police, HMRC
and the National Wildlife Crime Unit, an address in Barkingside
was searched and eleven live Arowana fish were seized.
The fish are worth up to £2,000 each
and are much sought-after for aquariums and by keepers of exotic
fish. In parts of the Far East the fish are considered to bring
good fortune.
The raid, which took place at the home address
of a dealer who specializes in selling exotic species for fish
collectors, followed the receipt of information that they had
been imported from Singapore by air.
The fish seized are about 18 inches long,
but can grow considerably larger depending on the exact Arowana
species.
Andy Fisher, head of the Met's Wildlife
Crime Unit, said:
"Today's seizure is part of Operation
Charm and highlights that the trade in endangered species happens
here in London and is international in its nature.
The recovery of live animals is extremely
rare, but the law applies in the same way to endangered species
in any form.
While dealers are at the forefront of
ensuring that the trade in these types of animals does not take
place, a great responsibility also rests with the public. It
is illegal to buy as well as to sell an endangered species.
The public needs to be aware of
all types of endangered species and report any information on
illegal trade to the police."
The man remains in custody at an east London
police station.
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