According to Mexico News Today, Mexican Government Environment officials have arrested a Belizean national after entering Mexico bound for China with protected marine life.
The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection says that a judge ordered the legal detention of a Belizean citizen destined for China. The man was detained at the International Airport of Mexico City after being found in possession of seahorses and sea cucumbers.
According to reports the person was also found carrying fish bladders. The illegal products were discovered after an inspection at the airport. The man was arrested after police detected the smell of fish. Upon inspection of his suitcase, federal inspectors found two bags containing 88 dried seahorses along with two bags of sea cucumbers and two bags of fish bladders.
Criminal proceedings were initiated against him for his probable responsibility in crimes against biodiversity. In court, the man was ordered to be detained until his trial. Seahorses are a protected species in Mexico, while internationally, they are considered endangered.
