Civil Guard seizes 48kg of octopus from illegal fishing operation in Menorca

The Civil Guard has seized 48 kilos of octopus with no traceability and issued an administrative complaint under the Fishing and Health Law of the Consell de Menorca against the individual transporting it from the island.

Through specialists from the Fiscal and Border units of Pollença and Ciutadella, and thanks to ongoing coordination with various entities in their efforts to prevent smuggling and illegal fishing, the Armed Institute became aware of the unauthorized transport of non-commercially fished seafood—specifically octopuses and lobsters—from the port of Ciutadella to the port of Alcudia, potentially for sale in restaurants and bars.

On April 29, once the vehicle arrived by ferry at the port of Alcudia, officers stopped it, identified the driver, and searched the car. Inside, they found several plastic bags containing octopus stored in sealed, non-refrigerated compartments.

Upon verifying that the driver had no invoice or documentation to justify the transport of 48 kilos of octopus or its intended destination, the agents filed a report for lacking the necessary documentation to prove the product’s traceability and origin, as well as for transporting food without proper refrigeration or sanitary conditions.

The seized goods were taken to the Palma Aquarium Foundation’s facilities to be used as food for various species.