In Guinea's capital, Conakry, special organized crime units arrested four individuals suspected of smuggling rare marine animals, the local publication Guineenews reports.
During the operation, authorities seized 41 kg of dried seahorses and 26 kg of shark and ray fins intended for clandestine export from the country.
At a press conference, Chief Commissioner Foromo Soropogui emphasized the seriousness of the criminal activity and its consequences for marine biodiversity.
"Due to their high risk of extinction, these species are classified as protected fish under the provisions of the Wildlife Conservation Code. This illegal activity has been going on for a long time. These individuals, along with other as yet unidentified participants, have been engaged in it under strict secrecy for an extended period," he stated.
The coordinator of the EAGLE-Guinea scientific and production association, Antonia Gustafsson, praised the operation carried out by the special units and underscored the importance of combating networks engaged in the illegal trade of protected animal species.
"We welcome the actions of the special units in this still little-known but extremely important fight. The arrest of these four suspects represents a significant step forward in the fight against wildlife crime and demonstrates that this issue is now being taken more seriously," she said.
Earlier in May, Argentine authorities intercepted a shipment of more than 700 fish and other marine animals illegally exported from Kenya.
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