HCC-MFMR’s Kukum warehouse raid nabs undersized trochus shells
A JOINT operation by the Honiara City Council (HCC) law enforcement officers and officers from the Fisheries Department in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has reportedly nabbed a large quantity of undersized trochus shells from a warehouse at Kukum.
The alleged raid which began on 21st June is continuing as city’s law enforcement officers and MFMR fisheries officers pored through large sacks of trochus shells to separate undersized ones from the ones that could be sold legally.
The outcome will determine the charges, if any that would be laid.
The alleged raid on Z.H.B Goods Ltd’s warehouse was began on 21st June. It followed a formal complaint by a Titus Apai who initially complained that the company was buying trochus shells and other marine products without a business licence from the Honiara City Council.
Mr Apai assisted the operation by showing officers the business premises, he told Solomon Star in an email last week.
“On June 21, 2023, I performed a search at the Kukum warehouse of Z.H.B Goods Ltd. with the assistance of the NCID Police and Ministry of Fisheries Team. Our investigation led us to (find) multiple bags of illegal species that Mr Ruwei was purchasing.
“A significant 200 bags of trochus shells that were too small were also discovered, which is against the Ministry of Fisheries Act and Regulations,” Mr Apai said.
It is not clear whether Mr Rumei who allegedly owns and runs the business, has been charged.
Mr Apai said any charges would be laid after the investigation was completed, possibly next week.
By Alfred Sasako
