On August 4, 2025, three
citizens were arrested in Pemba as part of a National Criminal Investigation
Service (SERNIC) operation. They were caught illegally selling sea turtle meat, a species
protected by law in Mozambique.
The arrests followed public tips that alerted authorities to
individuals involved in the clandestine capture, transport, and sale of this
endangered marine species. According to Arnélio
Sola, the SERNIC spokesperson in Cabo Delgado, this information allowed
the service to activate its operational teams, which resulted in the arrest of
one suspect in the act, in possession of 10.63
kg of sea turtle meat.
During questioning, all those
involved confessed to the crime of illegally trading in wildlife, an act
punishable by Mozambican law designed to protect endangered species.
"The case files have been
drawn up and submitted to the Public Prosecutor's Office for legal
proceedings," Sola explained at a press conference on Thursday, August 7.
One of the suspects justified his participation in the trafficking ring with economic reasons "I did it. I knew it was forbidden, but I had no choice because of poverty," he stated, admitting he was aware of the illegality of his actions.
The sea turtle is one of the
most threatened species worldwide, and its capture and sale are strictly
prohibited by national legislation and international treaties to which
Mozambique is a signatory.
Authorities are reinforcing
their appeal for citizens to report practices that endanger marine biodiversity
and assure the public that they will continue to act firmly against networks
that illegally exploit the country's natural resources.
0 Comments