More than 130 kilos of abalone, a rare and highly prized shellfish, were seized by the authorities in Inhambane.

The abalone, a highly sought-after mollusc on the Asian market, is known for its rarity and high economic value. In South Africa, illegal fishing of this shellfish has led to an environmental and economic crisis, putting the species at risk of extinction.

The product was brought into Mozambique illegally, without any official documentation, and was in transit to the Port of Beira. From there, the abalone was to be shipped to markets in Asia, where it is sold at high prices.

The seizure was also motivated by the lack of health inspection, since any food product that enters Mozambican territory must first be assessed to guarantee consumer safety.

Abalone is highly prized on the Asian market, where it is used in sophisticated dishes and traditional medicine and each kilo can fetch prices of over 500 dollars. The smuggling of this product is driven by its scarcity and high international demand. (Source: O País)