Traffickers admit smuggling $10K+ of endangered sea cucumbers.
Wildlife Traffickers Plead Guilty to Smuggling Endangered Sea Cucumbers
LOS ANGELES—In a stunning case of illegal wildlife trafficking, two individuals pleaded guilty this week in federal court in California to illegally importing endangered sea cucumbers from Mexico. These sea cucumbers, highly prized in China for their culinary and medicinal value, are believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Zunyu Zhao and Xionwei Xiao were charged with conspiracy and illegal importation of brown sea cucumbers worth over $10,000 from 2017 to 2019. They are scheduled to be sentenced in September and November, respectively.
Prosecutors have not disclosed the exact location where the sea cucumbers were obtained. However, the defendants were apprehended with the smuggled sea creatures as they crossed the border from Mexico into the United States at Calexico. As part of their plea agreement, Zhao and Xiao have agreed to pay restitution to the Mexican government’s environmental protection agency. If convicted, they could face up to 25 years in prison.
Related Stories
Attorneys for Zhao and Xiao did not respond to requests for comment.
During the investigation, authorities discovered incriminating text messages and images exchanged between Zhao and Xiao regarding the illegal transactions. The seized sea cucumbers are currently being held as evidence by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden stated, “This office is committed to upholding the twin pillars of marine biodiversity and conservation. Criminals considering poaching protected species should be aware that this office will diligently investigate, thoroughly prosecute, and seek restitution no matter the species.”
Sea cucumbers, belonging to the same family as sea stars and sea urchins, can grow up to 7 feet in length. Brown sea cucumbers, specifically Isostichopus fuscus, have a smooth body with warts and can reach a length of 2 feet.
These fascinating creatures play a crucial role in the ocean’s ecosystem by acting as a vacuum on the sea floor, breaking down particles and contributing to the nutrient cycle, according to Gordon Hendler, curator of echinoderms at the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles.
While the destination of the smuggled sea cucumbers has not been disclosed, there is a thriving black market that frequently transports them to China, where they are considered a delicacy. They are typically served dried or fresh and often braised with fish, vegetables, and traditional sauces. In addition to their culinary value, sea cucumbers are sought after for their medicinal properties, including the treatment of joint pain, cancer prevention, and anti-inflammatory effects—some of which have been validated by scientific research. They are also believed to be an aphrodisiac.
However, due to overfishing, the brown sea cucumber is now a protected species, leading to regulations on their harvest. While harvesting sea cucumbers is permitted in the United States and many parts of the world, it is strictly regulated and limited to specific seasons and quantities. Unfortunately, Zhao and Xiao did not possess the necessary permits and documentation for their activities, according to Kelly Thornton, spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office.
In a similar case in 2017, a father-son partnership smuggled over $17 million worth of sea cucumbers from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to the United States, ultimately exporting them to Asia. The illegal trade of sea cucumbers remains a global concern, with efforts being made to combat this illicit activity.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...