The Lisbon Maritime Police today seized 550 kilos of Japanese clams in the salt pans area, in the municipality of Alcochete, Setúbal district, the police announced.
In a statement, the maritime authority explains that during an operation carried out by the Lisbon Maritime Police Local Command, with the aim of detecting, identifying and monitoring recipients who sell Japanese clams, 18 people were identified as transporting the shellfish.
In addition to the 550 kilos of clams, two vehicles and a hand-held hook were also seized.
The Maritime Police say they have been carrying out various actions to combat the illegal harvesting of the Japanese clam, which at this time of year is more active, both among shellfish gatherers and those who profit from this activity.
This is the third seizure of the month in the area.
On December 12, more than a ton of clams were seized and 530 people were identified, 25 of whom were charged. On December 14, another ton of clams was seized and nine people were identified who were transporting the shellfish.
