A boat and four Ecuadorians were seized Tuesday for illegal fishing in Colombian waters off the coast of the southwestern Nariño department, according to local media.
The fishing vessel was intercepted in the Gorgona National Park. According to the Pacific commander of the coast guard Captain William Palomino, the authorities arrested four Ecuadorians and seized 714Ibs of fish and 180 gallons of gasoline.
The arrested “face charges of illegal exploitation of natural resources in the country, and as they were found with 180 gallons of fuel, that is hydrocarbon contraband,” said Palomino. They will also face charges for crossing the border illegally.
Less than a week ago another Ecuadorian vessel was intercepted in Colombian waters carrying 330Ibs of Colombian fish.
In January an Ecuadorian vessel was seized for illegal shark fishing with intention of selling the fins in the Asian market.
Nine foreign vessels have been detained this year for the illegal explotation of Colombian natural resources and over 10 tons of illegal fish seized.