Police foil shark fin smugglers

MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Police at Mopa airport yesterday foiled an attempt to smuggle out 233 kilograms of shark fins worth some Rp 20 million (US$7,000).

The shark fins were being transported through the airport in 10 cartons without appropriate documents. It was due to be loaded on a plane bound for Surabaya, East Java, when security officials noticed a peculiar smell.

Shark fins are Merauke's primary commodity and may be traded only with permits.

Antara reported that cartons belonged to a woman identified as Mrs. H. Police are now investigating the incident.

Shark fins in Merauke go for about Rp 90,000 per kilogram.(mds)