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Illegal Wildlife Smuggling Operation Shut Down in Puerto Rico

November 26, 2024

Two men sentenced to prison for illegally smuggling live eels from Puerto Rico.

NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement agent, U.S. Coast Guard officers, and Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources rangers process seized eels in San Juan, Puerto Rico. NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement agent, U.S. Coast Guard officers, and Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources rangers process seized eels in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement led a joint investigation resulting in the sentencing of two Dominican nationals. They were sentenced to a combined 4 years in prison for smuggling live American juvenile eels. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and the Environmental and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section successfully prosecuted Simon De la Cruz Paredes and Saul Enrique José De la Cruz. Paredes was sentenced to 24 months in prison and De la Cruz was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Coast Guard identified and intercepted the two smugglers in February. They were transiting in a high speed panga in federal waters north of Puerto Rico. The smugglers refused to heave to and follow USCG orders, ultimately leading USCG to disable their vessel’s engines through force. Upon boarding, USCG officers noticed large bags containing live eels and aerators, in addition to a firearm and ammunition. USCG officers contacted NOAA Enforcement officials to aid in determining the bag's contents and jurisdiction. Our close collaboration and cross-training with partner agencies aided in identifying the suspects intent to smuggle wildlife and started the joint investigation.

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NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement and partners processing seized ammunition, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement and partners processing seized ammunition, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Our enforcement agents and officers train USCG personnel at their regional training centers. They develop close working relationships with local sector Living Marine Resource officers, who specialize in fishery related boardings. USCG personnel are trained to identify and inspect vessels and persons potentially engaging in illegal fishing activities. In this case, USCG officers informed NOAA enforcement of a potential fisheries violation. We consulted with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources biologists to determine the species seized. American eels spend part of their lives in freshwater, which falls under the responsibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We worked with USFWS agents in the investigation. DNER rangers assisted with transport of the suspects and evidence upon USCG’s arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “Our joint enforcement partnerships expand our ability to enforce marine resource laws more efficiently,” said Paige Casey, acting Assistant Director of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement Southeast Division. “In this case, we saw how effective our partnerships are with the successful arrest and prosecution of two individuals who illegally harvested eels. Our collaboration is vital in ensuring that individuals who violate marine resource laws are held fully accountable.”

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A container of Smuggled eels found on suspects' vessel.
A container of smuggled glass eels found on suspects' vessel. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.

The harvest of juvenile eels, commonly known as glass eels, are a lucrative business. They typically yield $2,200 per kilogram in a legal market. Black markets supported through operations similar to Parede’s and De la Cruz’s actions can increase retail prices of glass eels and encourage illegal activity. The Coast Guard seized more than 100,000 eels, estimated at $132,000. The two suspects spent months illegally harvesting eels at a freshwater creek in Puerto Rico. After illegally harvesting the eels, they attempted to transport the catch to the Dominican Republic. The eels would then be sold in Asian markets where the product would ultimately be worth more than $1 million.

NOAA Fisheries enforces fisheries and seafood regulations. Illegal wildlife trafficking, such as these eels, falls under the Lacey Act. Identifying and putting a halt to illegal seafood coming into or leaving the United States is integral in protecting our domestic fisheries. This successful prosecution is credited to the close working relationship we have with our partner agencies. It aids in ensuring a level playing field exists for U.S. seafood dealers and distributors. 

Last updated by Office of Law Enforcement on December 04, 2024