News

1 Man Sentenced, Another Pleads Guilty for Elver Trafficking

1 Man Sentenced, Another Pleads Guilty for Elver Trafficking

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) One Maine man is heading to jail and another has pleaded guilty for their role in a national baby eel trafficking ring.

The Portland Press Herald reports 35-year-old Yarann Im was sentenced to six months in jail Thursday for illegally trafficking 480 pounds of the eels, known as elvers. Im worked as a seafood dealer in Portland.

Maine fisherman Albert Cray pleaded guilty Tuesday to illegally harvesting the elvers in New Jersey and selling them to a Maryland dealer, who transported them abroad.

The two men were charged as a result of an interagency sting known as Operation Broken Glass.

The baby eels are valuable because they can be used as food in Asian markets. Fishermen sometimes sell the elvers for more than $2,000 per pound.

Latest Headlines

40 minutes ago in Local

Graham Platner campaign manager resigns after controversial posts online resurface

Fresh

Campaign Director Genevieve McDonald resigned from her post as campaign director yesterday, saying that the views expressed by Platner weren't values she could stand behind.

13 hours ago in Local

Judge sentences Maine man to 38 years for the killing of his stepson

An Oxford man was sentenced Friday to 38 years behind bars for the killing of his stepson.

13 hours ago in Local

Wardens offer $3,000 reward after lynx found dead in Aroostook County

Maine Game Wardens are offering $3,000 for information about the illegal killing of a Canada lynx.

1 day ago in Local

High Trails at Baxter State Park Closed for Season

The closure includes Owl Trail, which is the northernmost section of the Appalachian Trail

2 days ago in Local

New York Man Tracked Down For Maine Murder

Maine State Police say the investigation is ongoing.