2 Men Arrested by Police for Selling Piranha and Other Illegal Wildlife
Police authorities arrested two (2) men for allegedly selling piranha and other wildlife animals that are considered illegal.
The two guys were apprehended in separate police operations on suspicion of unlawfully selling animals such as piranha, which is forbidden in the Philippines. According to a GMA News report, the first suspect was apprehended in Antipolo City when an operative claimed to be a delivery rider in order to pick up the aquatic animals for sale.
The suspect was found with several portions of the so-called common snapping turtle and red-bellied piranha, both of which are illegal in the country. Many individuals are unaware that the sale of carnivorous fish such as piranha is completely forbidden, according to the statement of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.
Piranha is outlawed under RA 10654 Section 102, and it is feared that piranhas may enter waters and harm other aquatic wildlife, according to Northern NCR Maritime Group Police Major Robert Alvin Gutierrez. The rescued piranhas were transferred to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The PNP says the court will decide what to do with the piranhas. The common snapping turtle is not listed as endangered. However, under the legislation, all non-native reptiles must seek permission, according to Gutierrez.
Authorities in Quezon City rescued a red-shouldered macaw bird from the suspect, who also transacted with an undercover cop. The suspect, a college student, stated that the proceeds from the sale of the bird will be used to pay his tuition.
The suspect said he didn’t realize it wasn’t legal because he had a paper with him that wasn’t valid. The identities of the accused were not revealed in compliance with the PNP’s instruction.
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