# Shark fin trafficking in Tumaco, Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/shark-fin-trafficking-in-tumaco-colombia
> Updated: 2026-10-26T16:09:37.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Tumaco, Nariño, conducted a raid on a seafood commercial establishment in the El Bajito neighborhood, resulting in the seizure of more than 4,200 shark fins. The shipment, consisting of 13 sacks weighing over 376 kilograms, reportedly originated from more than 1,000 sharks, including hammerhead, tiger, silky, thresher, copper, and blacktip species.

Investigators and the Fiscalía General de la Nación allege the fins were obtained through finning—the practice of removing fins from live animals before discarding them into the sea—and were intended for export to illegal markets in Asia and Ecuador. Officials described the find as one of the largest smuggling operations in the country’s history, with an estimated commercial value of several hundred thousand US dollars.

One individual, William Leonardo de la Cruz Valverde, was arrested and charged with wildlife trafficking and the illicit exploitation of renewable natural resources. While the suspect denied the charges, a judge ordered him to remain in prison during the judicial process.

## Claims

- More than 4,200 shark fins were seized in Tumaco, Colombia. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The seized fins were intended for sale on the illegal Asian market. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The commercial value of the fins is estimated at several hundred thousand US dollars. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- One person was arrested during the raid. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The arrested individual is accused of the illegal exploitation of renewable natural resources. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The raid was a joint operation between the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, and the Colombian Army. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Colombia police seize record number of shark fins in Tumaco raid

Colombian police seized over 4,200 shark fins in Tumaco, valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars, intended for illegal export to Asia.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-police-seize-record-number-of-shark-fins-in-tumaco-raid

### 2026-10-22: Tumaco man arrested for storing 4,235 shark fins

William Leonardo de la Cruz Valverde was arrested in Tumaco, Colombia, for allegedly storing 4,235 shark fins intended for sale in Ecuador.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tumaco-man-arrested-for-storing-4235-shark-fins

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Cite as: Shark fin trafficking in Tumaco, Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/shark-fin-trafficking-in-tumaco-colombia