- Nearly 7.000 kilos of Japanese clams seized in Huelva with forged documents.
- Eight arrested and three investigated in Operation 'Clams'.
- The scheme brought bivalves from prohibited areas in Portugal and snuck them into distribution.
- Health risk alert and broad cooperation with Europol, ASAE, and the Maritime Police.
The Civil Guard has dealt a major blow to drug trafficking. Illegal Japanese clams in Huelva, intercepting a shipment of almost 7.000 kilos of bivalves that circulated with falsified documentationThe molluscs, of the species Ruditapes philippinarum, came from prohibited or contaminated areas of Portugal and were not fit for consumption.
Within the framework of the 'Clams' operation, the agents have eight people arrested e investigated three others, in addition to intervening in cash, electronic devices and seven vehicles linked to illicit activity. Authorities warn of the public health risks derived from the consumption of bivalves without health guarantees.
Operation Clams: How the Network Operated
The investigation began in November, when the SEPRONA detected in a purification center of the province a batch of 234,70 kilos of Japanese clams with irregular papers. From that discovery, a system was uncovered that manufactured false records, delivery notes and invoices to give the appearance of legality to the shipments.
The modus operandi was clear: the bivalves were collected in closed or contaminated areas from the neighboring country and moved to a sewage treatment plant in Huelva, where, already with fraudulent documentation, they entered the distribution chain through major operators in the sector.
With this mechanism, the network would have managed to move a significant amount of product, until the police action culminated in the seizure of almost 7.000 kilos of Japanese clams and the intervention of abundant evidentiary material.
Searches, seizures and charges
During the searches, the agents located computers, mobile phones, documentation relevant, cash and seven vehicles linked to the plot. This material supports the hypothesis of a stable structure with logistical and financial capacity.
Those arrested are charged with several crimes, including belonging to a criminal group, documentary forgery, Money laundering, electric power fraud y crimes against public health, for putting potentially dangerous foods into circulation.
- Belonging to a criminal group
- documentary falsehood (records, delivery notes and invoices)
- Money laundering and use of logistical means
- Electricity fraud linked to the activity
- Crimes against public health
Health risks: Why these clams can't be eaten
The Civil Guard reminds that the bivalve mollusks They filter the water in which they live and, if they come from areas contaminated or have not been properly debugged, they can accumulate viruses, bacteria and toxins. It is always recommended to purchase these products with traceability and health controls accredited, to guarantee your safety.
The consumption of these products raw or undercooked can cause from gastroenteritis to hepatitis, as well as other foodborne illnesses. Caution in purchasing and preparing food helps avoid health risks.
These specimens should not be consumed under any circumstances without health guarantees, as they represent a significant toxic risk.
Police cooperation and cross-border outreach
The device has had broad institutional and police support: EUROPOL, Portuguese Food and Economic Safety Agency (ASAE), Maritime Police Portuguese, the Andalusian Agrarian and Fisheries Management Agency, Central Environmental Operations Unit (UCOMA) and 5th Company of the Civil Guard of Ayamonte, among others, have participated in different phases.
- EUROPOL (operational and analytical support)
- ASAE y Maritime Police From Portugal
- Andalusian Agrarian and Fisheries Management Agency
- UCOMA and territorial units of the Civil Guard
In coordinated actions in the Portuguese-Spanish strip, with deployment of resources also in Huelva, were seized more than seven tons of Japanese clam already stop to 11 suspects on specific days, in addition to intervening several vehicles. These actions reflect the cross-border character of traffic and the importance of maintaining constant cooperation.
Researchers have found the use of false documentation to whiten the origin of bivalves and warn of practices of labor exploitation in illegal harvesting, as well as networks with high profits that are reinvested in assets to hide their origin.
Procedural status and next steps
Following the arrests, those arrested and the proceedings have been made available to the judicial authority competent. The case will continue its course to determine criminal liabilities and the economic reach of the network, including the tracking of the money seized and the assets linked to the activity.
This case highlights the importance of strengthening the food traceability and surveillance in the collection areas, as well as the need to increase the documentary controls in wastewater treatment plants and wholesale channels to prevent illegal products from entering the market and endangering the health of consumers.