The Peruvian authorities have seized a ship that was illegally transporting over 12 million sea horses that were illegally caught. The seahorses were worth over $6 million and were on their way to Asia.
A coast guard ship detected Adonay, a vessel, around 200 miles off the seaside city of Callao on Monday before it was steered back to the main sea-food port of Peru.
According to the authorities, the 12.3 million illegally seahorses were caught from the Pacific Ocean Waters.
The seahorses were packed into 55 boxes, which weighed over 2300 pounds.
According to the authorities, the seahorses are worth over 6 million USD.
Authorities believe the seahorses were going to be sold in the international sea market in Asia.
Peruvian officials believe most of the seahorses were going to be used in traditional medicine in China, which is supposed to cure asthma, baldness, infertility, and arthritis.
The Peruvian National Police said the Adonay sea vessel was being maneuvered by 4 people, which includes 3 Peruvian Men and 1 Venezuelan National.
The identities of the crew were not shared with the public.
If the crew is found guilty, they can spend up to 5 years in jail.
The Peruvian National Police said they are closely monitoring the illegal catching of sea horses.
The seahorses that were seized by the authorities looked dehydrated and were dry.
They are currently expected to be donated to local universities and research groups in Peru.