A huge seizure of 6 kg of coral belonging to a species protected by the international legislation CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
The specimens, which fall within the order of “scleractinia”, are at risk of extinction. The seizure was made after identifying an Italian citizen, returning from Sharm el Sheikh, who was attempting to bring the corals illegally into the country.
The operation was triggered when, on the basis of targeted risk analyses, an Italian citizen, resident in the province of Palermo, returning from Sharm el Sheikh, was identified. During checks on the passenger’s luggage, 16 specimens of coral were found, carefully hidden. Some of these corals, presenting particular odors and colours, have revealed that they have recently been eradicated from the coral reef, an act that contributes to the irreversible deterioration of marine ecosystems.
The corals, without the necessary documentation certifying their legal origin, were subjected to administrative seizure. For the passenger, a fine of 5,000 euros was imposed for the attempted illicit trafficking of protected fauna.
Trafficking of corals and other protected species is one of the many threats that loom over already fragile and compromised ecosystems. Operations of this type are fundamental not only to protect wild fauna and flora, but also to raise public awareness of the importance of respecting international regulations for the protection of nature.
