A sea cucumber nestled among anemones on the
ocean floor.
More than 300 pounds of sea cucumbers were seized at the international border by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers on Sunday from Chinese citizens, authorities said.
The marine animals were undeclared and found hidden in their luggage. The men were with two Mexican nationals attempting to enter the U.S. with proper documentation in a vehicle at the San Ysidro port of entry, the CBP said in a statement.
The seizure was prompted by a stop of a Chrysler Voyager around 1:30 p.m. during a luggage inspection of the citizens of China, a man, 51, and his son, 24.
The men were assessed a fine of $15,264 and their U.S. visas canceled, the CBP said.
Total weight of the marine life was 343 pounds. The sea cucumber or sea slug is an echinoderm found on the ocean floor considered a delicacy by Asian cultures that use them in soups or stews. It sells for about $45 a pound, the CBP said.
The seized sea cucumbers were turned them over to authorities with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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