91 Totoaba Swim Bladders Worth $1.4M Smuggled in Fish Fillet Shipment Seized in Arizona

(Photo : Joanna Chiu / Getty Images)
91 Totoaba swim bladders were seized in Arizona after searching a fish fillet shipment.

Around 91 totoaba swim bladders were discovered by authorities concealed in a shipment of fish fillets, with the estimated value of the contraband at $1.4 million, according to authorities.

91 Totoaba Swim Bladders Worth $1.4M

Port of San Luis - US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and agriculture experts confiscated 109 pounds of totoaba swim bladders, a protected species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The seized bladders were valued between $910,000 to $1,365,000.

This marks the second significant interception by CBP agents this year, with 91 totoaba swim bladders concealed within a shipment of frozen fish fillets. A similar seizure occurred at the Nogales trade facility in April. CBP collaborated with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to confirm the endangered Totoaba macdonaldi species origin. This is one of the largest totoaba seizures in the US and the second-largest in Arizona, with custody of the bladders now with USFWS following preliminary DNA testing.

Endangered Totoaba Fish vs. Asian Demand

Totoaba fish have been endangered in the US since 1979, with their swim bladders highly sought after in traditional Chinese medicine and Asian cuisine. Due to federal protection in the US and Mexico, it's illegal to harvest, possess, transport, or trade totoaba. Gill-net fishing has also put the vaquita porpoise in danger in the Gulf of California.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are looking into the smuggling of this protected species.

Tucson Field Office Director of Field Operations, Guadalupe Ramirez, emphasized the diverse laws enforced by their officers and agriculture specialists. This marks the second-largest totoaba seizure in Arizona this year, showcasing the dedication of CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists in upholding regulations for all imports. It also underscores their collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species treaty agreement.

Also Read: Illegal Trafficking in Thailand Now Worth US$20 Billion

US Customs and Border Protection vs. Illegal Shipments

Customs and Border Protection (CBP), responsible for over 40 government entities such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the US Department of Agriculture, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the United States. Their mission involves preventing the entry of hazardous goods that threaten public health, safety, American workers, and domestic plant and animal life.

CBP officers stationed at entry points meticulously inspect products that may seem harmless but carry unforeseen risks. Prohibited items span from dangerous toys to vehicles lacking safety features, and illegal substances like absinthe, and bush meat. Certain products, including firearms, specific fruits, vegetables, animal items, and live animals, necessitate federal licenses or permits.

Before importing anything into the country, visitors are encouraged to consult with CBP to ensure compliance with regulations. This proactive approach aligns with CBP's overarching goal of safeguarding the nation and maintaining border integrity by preventing the importation of forbidden or restricted items. CBP significantly contributes to preserving the United States' safety, health, and overall well-being through its vigilant enforcement efforts.

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