'Napoleon's' hiding places found

PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Palu Natural Conservation Agency has announced the discovery of various sites used in transit by traders in smuggling the Napoleon Wrasse fish, a popular delicacy among Chinese, to Hong Kong.

The four locations were all in the Togean Islands in Poso regency, the head of the agency, Banjar Yulianto, told Antara.

Traders provided ponds for the fish brought in by local fishermen who were paid Rp 15,000 a kilogram, Banjar said.

He said the fishermen caught the rare fish using explosives and chemical substances, destroying coral reefs in the area.

The agency has been campaigning to discourage the practice, he added.