Market watchdog tightens fight against imports of banned crayfish
Vietnamese Gov't cracks down on trade and consumption of banned crayfish

The three boxes of illegal crayfish seized in Lang Son Province. VNA/VNS Photo

Coach driver Doan Dai Hiep, who hails from northern Hung Yen Province, told police he had received three boxes of crayfish from a man whose name he does not know at Huu Nghi International Border Gate in Cao Loc District, Lang Son Province.

Hiep was paid VND100,000 (US$4.3) to transport the boxes to Bac Ninh Province.

The case is under investigation.

Media recently reported that red-claw crayfish are being imported and sold as food in localities in Vietnam.

The crayfish are considered an invasive species in Vietnam. They can harm the country’s bio-diversity and agricultural production as they eat both live and dead animals and plants. Crayfish can also carry and spread diseases to shrimp, and can burrow in and destroy dykes.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has asked localities and relevant agencies to tighten control over the crayfish.

Consumption of the crayfish is considered illegal.

VNS