'Largest Ever' Carp Seizure

During the early hours of Friday, 26 February 2010, UK Border Agency officers at the Port of Dover, working in conjunction with the government's Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), intercepted the largest ever consignment of live carp from France.

The 120 fish, weighing between 25 and 50lbs, were discovered in four pallet-sized containers supported by oxygen cylinders in the rear of a Volvo FH12 lorry.

The FHI, based at Cefas, advises that it is illegal to import live coldwater fish unless from an EU "approved" zone and accompanied by a movement document issued by an authorised veterinary inspector.

The fish were confiscated and, in line with FHI/Defra policy, were subsequently destroyed to ensure that no disease is spread from their possible introduction into UK waters.

The driver of the lorry, a 49-year-old man from Horsham, West Sussex , has been reported with a view to prosecution and enquiries are continuing to identify others involved.

Stuart Katon, the FHI's Enforcement and Investigations Officer, said: "We are stepping up our 'intelligence led' fight against illegal importations and working closely with other agencies to target organised groups.

"This is an excellent result but we still need everyone in the angling community to remain vigilant and to report any information regarding this type of illegal activity to us in order that we can continue to be proactive in the future."