Wildlife traffickers have pleaded guilty in federal court in California to illegally importing endangered sea cucumbers from Mexico.
Wildlife traffickers pleaded guilty this week in federal court in California to illegally importing endangered sea cucumbers — which are prized in China for food and medicine and as a reputed aphrodisiac — from Mexico.
Prosecutors haven't said where in the ocean the sea cucumbers were obtained. But the defendants were allegedly found with the smuggled bottom-feeders as they crossed from Mexico into the U.S. at Calexico. Zhao and Xiao agreed to pay restitution to the Mexican government's environmental protection agency. They could get up to 25 years in prison.After seizing the sea cucumbers at the border, investigators found text messages and images sent between Zhao and Xiao about the transactions.
Sea cucumbers are in the same family as sea stars and sea urchins and can measure up to 7 feet. Brown sea cucumbers have a smooth body dotted by warts and can grow to 2 feet. Prosecutors haven't said where the cucumbers were headed. But a thriving black market frequently gets them to China, where they are a delicacy. They are traditionally served dried or fresh and often braised with fish, vegetables and traditional sauces. They are also sought to treat join pain, prevent cancer and serve as anti-inflammatories — medical uses sometimesBut the brown sea cucumber — Isostichopus fuscus — is overfished, and that's cause for regulations around their harvest.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson Launch 'People's Fund of Maui' With $10 Million DonationThe relief fund will directly support families and individuals impacted by the wildfires that have claimed more than 100 lives with hundreds more unaccounted for
Lire la suite »
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson Launch Maui Wildfire Relief Fund With $10 Million DonationOprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have launched the People’s Fund of Maui to support those impacted by the wildfires. “I have been meeting with people throughout the community that were impact…
Lire la suite »
Marée Eye Gels Are Made With Real Marine Collagen — $10 OffThese anti-aging Marée Marine Collagen Eye Gels are highly-rated, number one bestsellers on Amazon — find out why
Lire la suite »
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson announce $10 million Maui relief fundAdults in the affected areas of Lahaina and Kula will be eligible to receive $1,200 each month as they get back on their feet.
Lire la suite »
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson launch fund with $10 million for displaced Maui residentsOprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have committed $10 million to make direct payments to people on Maui who are unable to return to their homes because of the wildfires.
Lire la suite »
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson launch fund with $10 million for displaced Maui residentsOprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have committed $10 million to make direct payments to people on Maui who are unable to return to their homes because of the wildfires.
Lire la suite »