Customs destroy humphead wrasses found in export shipment

Maldives Customs has confiscated and destroyed two humphead wrasses (maa hulhu’bu lan’daa) found in an export shipment.

Humphead wrasse is a protected species of fish.

Maldives Customs destroyed the two 4ft, 45kg humphead wrasses yesterday at the airport with the presence of the media.

Chief Customs Officer Hussain Shaz told Sun Online that the two humphead wrasses were found following checks conducted on an export shipment on 19 September 2012.

He said that it is not possible to disclose the name of the exporter, as the investigation is ongoing.

He informed, however, that sufficient evidence had been collected to proceed with the investigation.

Shaz said that this is the first time that a company is caught trying to export humphead wrasses from Maldives.

“The company in question is one that frequently exports fish. Regular checks are conducted on fish that are exported,” he said.