Man sentenced after smuggling hundreds of endangered eels

A man has been sentenced after smuggling hundreds of endangered European eels into Wales from Dublin.

Kevin Forbes, from Rossa Court in Dungannon, County Tyrone, was stopped by Border Control Force officers at Holyhead Port in January 2024.

The 33-year-old had 37 boxes of eels hidden in a pallet locker beneath the trailer of the HGV (heavy goods vehicle) he had driven from Dublin.

He claimed to have collected the eels outside the port in Dublin after the driver originally transporting them to the UK had broken down.

Eels that were still alive were examined by officers from Centre for Environment Fisheries and Science (CEFAS) and any that were suffering had to be euthanised.

After a joint investigation by the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team, National Wildlife Crime Unit and CEFAS, Forbes was charged with customs and animal welfare offences.

He appeared at Mold Crown Court in Wales where he was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, for causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

He must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and was also fined £1,500.

The European eel is a red-listed species, meaning it is at extremely high risk of extinction.

As such, it can no longer be legally exported.

The species plays a key role in freshwater ecosystems by helping to regulate other species' populations through predation and maintaining freshwater biodiversity.

They are also a critical food source for many birds, mammals and large fish.

Investigating officer, PC Amy Bennett of the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team said Forbes had shown "a grave disregard" for the welfare of the eels.

"This case highlights the need for stringent enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

"The positive outcome of this case was made possible through the collaborative partnership working, which is essential in tackling wildlife crime and ensuring the protection of our endangered species.

"We remain committed to working together to prevent such crimes and to safeguard our natural heritage for future generations."

The joint working was praised by the Head of Enforcement for the Fish Health Inspectorate, Jon Hulland, and the Head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly.

He thanked North Wales Police, An Garda Síochána (Irish police force) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland for their "hard work and dedication in bringing this case to justice".