Two Dominican nationals have been sentenced for illegally smuggling juvenile American eels from Puerto Rico. Simon De la Cruz Paredes, 56, and Saul Enrique José De la Cruz, 39, were both sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colon.
The defendants spent several months harvesting juvenile American eels, also known as glass eels, from rivers around Levittown, Puerto Rico. They kept the eels alive using an oxygenation system while preparing a boat to transport them to the Dominican Republic. On February 21, they attempted to leave Puerto Rico with 30 kilograms of glass eels valued at over $132,000, along with a handgun and ammunition.
Their vessel was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard about 40 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico after they refused to stop when ordered. The Coast Guard disabled their boat's engines before arresting them.
Both men pleaded guilty to smuggling charges under 18 U.S.C. § 554 and violating the Lacey Act. Saul Enrique José De la Cruz also admitted to failing to comply with orders from the Coast Guard.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim highlighted the impact of illegal eel harvesting on populations worldwide: "Juvenile or glass eels are key to this food production... we will vigorously prosecute individuals or entities caught illegally harvesting glass eels."
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow emphasized efforts to protect natural resources: "The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made it a priority to protect our natural resources."
Edward Grace from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service noted that these activities harm natural resources and economies: "These defendants would clearly stop at almost nothing in pursuit of their illegal activities."
Acting Assistant Director Paige Casey from NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement commended joint enforcement efforts: "Through our partnerships, we are able to successfully prosecute and convict individuals... who illegally harvest and traffic marine wildlife."
Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez of USCG’s Sector San Juan stressed vigilance against threats to eel populations: "We must remain vigilant as a service and a nation to this threat."
American eels are native fish that reproduce in saltwater but mature in freshwater systems like those in Puerto Rico. Their juvenile stage is highly sought after for aquaculture facilities in Asia due to unsuccessful breeding attempts in captivity.
The investigation was led by NOAA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Offices of Law Enforcement as part of the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force.
Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe are prosecuting the case.
