Philippine Authorities Seize Giant Clams After Discovering $25 Million Of Illegally Harvested Shells
04/17/21 AT 1:49 PM
Authorities in the Philippines have arrested four suspects for illegally harvesting almost $25 million worth of giant clams in Palawan.
The ecologically protected province is an area frequented by poachers and was raided on Friday, The Guardian reports. The bust of 200 tonnes of the creatures marks the largest giant clam shell takedown by authorities in the area.
The coast guard believes the clams that were seized were worth an estimated $24.8 million. This surpassed the record high record of 80 tonnes of giant clam shells that were confiscated from Johnson Island last month and worth $3.3 million.
Published April 14, 2021, 1:45 PM
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – Authorities seized around five tons of giant clam shells during the Counteraction Operation (CAO) on Tuesday, April 13 in Puron Borbon, Barangay Panacan, Narra town.
CLAMPED CLAM. Authorities inspect at least five tons of endangered giant clams which were confiscated Tuesday, April 13 in Narra town in Palawan. (Naal Forces West / MANILA BULLETIN)
According to the report sent to Palawan News, the confiscated shells has an estimated value of P57 million.
The items are now under custody of Bantay Palawan-Task Force South at Brgy Tagpait, Aborlan, Palawan for proper documentation and disposition.
Authorities is also conducting an ongoing intelligence build-up to identify the perpetrators of the said illegal activity which is in violation of RA 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.