7 Tonnes Of Toxic Clams Seized In Spain-portugal Fishing Bust

Spanish and Portuguese authorities, backed by Europol, person seized much than 7 tonnes of clams unfit for quality depletion and arrested 11 suspects accused of making astatine slightest €1.6 cardinal this twelvemonth from nan forbidden shellfish trade. Officials opportunity nan contaminated seafood was destined for restaurants successful Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy.

Cross-border clampdown connected forbidden clam trade

According to Europol, nan suspects were portion of a web harvesting ‘Manila’ aliases Japanese clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) illegally from nan River Tajo on nan Spain–Portugal border.

The clams were allegedly kept live successful h2o containers earlier being passed into nan ineligible marketplace utilizing clone documentation, bypassing wellness inspections.

Officials pass nan shellfish posed a awesome nationalist wellness risk. Consumption of contaminated clams tin origin nutrient poisoning, gastroenteritis, aliases hepatitis.

Profits and exploitation

Investigators estimate nan wider waste and acquisition could beryllium worthy up to €2.5 cardinal per week, pinch criminal profits allegedly laundered done luxury conveyance sales.

The lawsuit has besides exposed suspected quality trafficking. Europol said workers – often irregular migrants – were reportedly paid conscionable €1 to €1.50 per kilo of clams harvested.

Raids and arrests

The investigation began successful April aft Spanish Guardia Civil seized 235 kilos of clams and shared intelligence via Europol’s SIENA network.

Two coordinated action days were carried retired connected June 23–24 and July 30, 2025. Police arrested 11 suspects, seized 7 vehicles, and confiscated clams worthy an estimated €150,000.

The suspects look imaginable charges including:

• Environmental crime
• Money laundering
• Document fraud
• Food and quality wellness fraud

Europol’s role

Europol said it supported nan cognition from nan outset, backing interrogator meetings and moving a virtual bid post. An biology crime master was deployed on-site during nan raids, while Portuguese officers joined Spanish counterparts successful Huelva.

Authorities progressive included:

• Spain’s Guardia Civil Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA)
• Portugal’s Economic and Food Safety Authority (ASAE)
• Portugal’s Maritime Police

With authorities informing astir some nan wellness risks and nan exploitation linked to this trade, should EU nations summation seafood import checks, aliases will specified crackdowns only thrust nan Black Market further nether nan radar?

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