Two Dominican nationals have been sentenced for illegally smuggling juvenile American eels from Puerto Rico. Simón De la Cruz Paredes, 56, received a sentence of 24 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release on November 14. On the same day, Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colón also sentenced Saúl Enrique José De la Cruz, 39, to an identical term.
The pair were involved in harvesting juvenile American eels, known as glass eels, around Levittown, Puerto Rico. They kept the eels alive using an oxygenation system while preparing to transport them back to the Dominican Republic. On February 21, they departed Puerto Rico with a boat containing 30 kilograms of glass eels and additional items such as a handgun and ammunition.
Their intention was to sell these eels in the Dominican Republic before shipping them to Asia. The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted their vessel approximately 40 miles off Puerto Rico's coast after they refused to stop voluntarily.
Both men had previously pleaded guilty to smuggling under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 554) and violating the Lacey Act concerning illegal wildlife trafficking. Additionally, De la Cruz admitted guilt for not complying with orders from the Coast Guard during their interception.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim stated: “Eels are a highly sought-after food source, including for sushi.” He emphasized that illegal harvesting has significantly affected eel populations worldwide.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow expressed commitment towards protecting natural resources: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made it a priority to protect our natural resources.”
Paige Casey from NOAA highlighted collaboration efforts: “Through our partnerships we are able successfully prosecute individuals... who illegally harvest marine wildlife.”
Captain Luis J Rodriguez underscored vigilance against threats targeting juvenile American eel populations: “We must remain vigilant as a service and nation."
American eels play vital ecological roles but face threats due largely due high demand across global markets particularly within aquaculture industries based primarily throughout Asian regions where raised into adults eventually consumed various culinary dishes notably unagi sushi delicacy products further stressing already vulnerable species facing unprecedented pressures now being compounded home domestically
The investigation was led jointly between NOAA alongside US Fish Wildlife Service supported heavily several other organizations including USCG Customs Border Protection among others working tirelessly ensuring justice served those involved egregious activities harming ecosystems negatively impacting countless lives dependent upon healthy thriving environments sustained long-term prosperity future generations alike depend upon ultimately
