Milan airport, four passengers arrested with 150 kilos of live fish and crabs in their suitcases

Maxi seizure at Milan Malpensa airport where some passengers were found with 150 kilos of various fish and live crabs after a journey of more than 10 hours, from China to Lombardy. When opening the luggage, the financiers were surprised to find one and a half quintals of fish and shellfish, kept in refrigerated bags inside classic travel suitcases, without a health certificate. The fish was carefully checked to rule out that it was being used as a drug cover, as is the case with other high-risk shipments. Some transports consisted of polystyrene boxes filled with frozen fish with dry ice, to keep the temperature low and constant during the journey.

Invasive species

Crabs also include an invasive species capable of endangering native crustaceans and fish, both in fresh and salt water. Financial officers on duty arrested four people from different flights originating from the same location in southeast China, Wenzhou. The passengers, who now risk a fine of between one thousand and 50 thousand euros, justified the importation of these animals by declaring that they would use them in Chinese gastronomy. It cannot be ruled out that the crabs were intended for a demanding and traditionalist clientele, perhaps willing to buy them over the counter at high prices. The animals were euthanized.

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