CIDG files charges vs couple involved in coral smuggling

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A fact-finding team investigating the large-scale smuggling of corals and shells has formally filed charges against a Chinese businessman and his Filipina wife for poaching prohibited marine products.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 9 (CIDG-9) filed the case over the weekend after the lead investigating body of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) completed its inventory of the seized tons of corals and shells found in a warehouse in Barangay San Roque this city.

The seized shipment of corals and shells were traced to Li Yu Ming alias “Jo Pring” and his wife Olivia Lim-Li, who also own the Li and Lim Trading.

Senior Superintendent Mario Rariza, CIDG-9 chief, said charges filed against the couple were for violation of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

Tons of corals and shells were uncovered last June 4 after BFAR and CIDG operatives raided Yuscom warehouse rented by the couple.

Authorities recovered from the warehouse 41 tons and 27,891 kilos of black and red corals and 13,144 kilos of assorted shells such as helmet, trumpet and trochus.