Seized illegal razor fish was for Hong Kong 21/3/14
A haul of razor clams illegally taken from waters around Barra have been seized by the authorities.
Police, fisheries officers and Argyll and Bute Council’s stopped a van with its illegal cargo after it drove off the MV Lord of the Isles ferry which had sailed from South Uist and Barra.
The catch was headed for Hong Kong, with an estimated market value of £40,000 said the council.
The consignment was seized after the ferry docked in Oban on Thursday 27 February.
Argyll and Bute Council said the vehicle was carrying 815kg of illegally harvested razor fish, which came from unclassified waters around Barra.
Shellfish taken from unclassified areas are deemed to be legally unfit for human consumption and cannot enter the food chain.
The officials used powers under UK and European food safety legislation to detain the consignment.
The council was later granted an order from a Justice of the Peace to destroy the razor fish
Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Protective Services, Councillor David Kinniburgh, said: ‘’The council is advising shellfish harvesters, processors and food businesses to ensure that any shellfish intended for human consumption should be harvested from approved waters and be accompanied by the appropriate documentation.
‘’There are significant risks attached to the consumption of unsafe shellfish, not only for the consumer but for the local and national shellfish industry.
‘’We will be working with our partners to target similar activity by irresponsible harvesters and would welcome any information which would assist our environmental health officers in their enforcement work.
‘’We aim to ensure that products entering the food chain are safe and that we protect responsible businesses.’’