More than a ton of illegal pink shrimp was seized by the Environmental Military Police in Penha, Brazil, following a complaint that led officers to a clandestine operation involving ten individuals. The incident raised concerns about environmental violations and the origin of the shrimp.

A Surprising Find

Inside the facility, authorities noticed some tables constructed from wooden boxes, a clear sign of makeshift and unregulated operations. To ensure the safety of the seafood being handled, the municipality’s health surveillance department was summoned.

No Authorization or Documentation

The owner of the establishment confessed to lacking proper authorization for the activities taking place on the premises. Furthermore, there was no documentation available to prove the origin of the fish being processed, casting doubts on the legality of the entire operation.

Penalties Imposed

Consequently, the owner was slapped with hefty fines for multiple violations. These included operating a potentially polluting activity without the necessary authorization from environmental authorities and benefiting from products of fishing without adequate proof of their origin. The combined fines imposed on the establishment amounted to BRL 25,600 (USD 5,200).

Shrimp Seizure Details

In total, more than one ton of these shrimp were confiscated during the operation. Approximately eighty kilograms of the seized shrimp, which were present on the tables at the time of the police’s arrival, were deemed unfit for consumption and were promptly discarded by health surveillance inspectors. These discarded shrimp were sent to a landfill to prevent any potential health risks.

A Noble Gesture

The remaining confiscated shrimp, which were deemed suitable for consumption, were not wasted. Instead, they were donated to the Associação Lar de Idosos Grande Família in Barra Velha. This act of charity ensured that the seized seafood would not go to waste and would benefit those in need.