SONGKHLA, Thailand – Thai authorities have seized 3,650 kilograms of illegally imported chilled white sea bass from Malaysia, valued at over 310,000 baht. The operation, conducted by the Department of Fisheries in coordination with the Ban Prakob Customs Checkpoint and national security units, took place in Nathawi District, Songkhla Province.
According to Buncha Sukkaew, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, the fish were discovered in 73 crates aboard a truck bearing Malaysian registration number MDR 647. The import lacked proper documentation, violating Section 92 of the Fisheries Act B.E. 2558 and Section 31 of the Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2558.
Authorities warn that such illegal imports may carry harmful aquatic diseases and chemical residues, posing serious risks to Thailand’s aquaculture sector and seafood industry. The Department of Fisheries has pledged to tighten import controls in line with policies from Deputy Agriculture Minister Akarapong Promphao, emphasizing consumer safety and national production security. (TNA)
