48 sacks of shellfish from red tide-affected areas seized

Authorities in Pangasinan province on Wednesday seized some 48 sacks of shellfish gathered from two towns still affected by the red tide toxin.

 

The shellfish seized by police and Bantay Dagat teams had been gathered from Anda and Bolinao towns, GMA Dagupan reported.

 

Investigation showed the 46 sacks of tahong and two sacks of talaba were placed inside a van that was intercepted at a checkpoint of the police and Bantay Ilog in Mayombo district in Dagupan City.

 

The sacks of shellfish, estimated to be worth P30,000, were to be sold in the local markets.

 

"Nung na-intercept, kinuhanan ng kaukulang documents pero walang pinakitang pertinent papers," said Senior Inspector John Mark Sibayan of the Dagupan City police.

 

Police quoted the truck driver as saying he was ordered to transport the shellfish.

 

An existing red tide advisory still covering Anda and Bolinao prohibits the gathering, selling and consumption of shellfish from there.

 

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources first raised the alert there March 19.

 

Sibayan also said the transport of the shellfish also violates a city ordinance requiring a permit to do so.

 

The seized shellfish will be turned over to the city agriculture office. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News