In a meticulously planned operation lasting several hours, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Cochin, in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), has seized over 106 kilograms of the highly rare and endangered sea cucumber, Thelenota ananas. This valuable catch, belonging to the Holothuridae family, was transported from Lakshadweep, a biodiverse island in the Arabian Sea.
This marks the first instance of such precious marine resources being confiscated on the mainland of Kochi, Kerala. The estimated value of the seizure exceeds Rs. 8,00,000 in the Indian market and is likely to be worth significantly more internationally. Experts emphasize that the illegal trade of such marine species poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity and ecological balance.
Both the DRI and WJC have chosen to withhold specific names in their reports to protect the integrity of ongoing intelligence-based operations. In an exclusive conversation, a representative from WJC expressed concern over the impact of such trafficking on marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in combating wildlife crime.
Thelenota ananas falls under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which imposes stringent penalties for violations. Offenders face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs. 10,000, with the offence being non-bailable and cognizable.
Explaining the gravity of the case, Dr. Shekhar Niraj, a 1989-batch Indian Forest Service Officer and the head of WJC India and South Asia told Indian Masterminds, “Exploitation of sea cucumbers and its trade was banned in Lakshadeep more than 4 decades ago. The entire sea cucumber trade from India feeds the international markets.“
The primary suspect in this case is one Mr. Hassan Gandee, a seaman from Lakshadweep, who has been arrested. Following his apprehension, the DRI team initiated extensive searches of the warehouse in Kochi where the contraband was stored after being brought from Lakshadweep. Authorities are also looking into potential links to a larger smuggling network.
