A man who smuggled hundreds of endangered European eels from Holyhead Port has avoided a jail sentence.

Border Force officials discovered 37 boxes of eels hidden in a pallet locker beneath the trailer of an HGV, which had arrived from Dublin in January 2024.

Kevin Forbes claimed he had collected the eels from outside the port after the driver originally carrying them into the UK had broken down.

He was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Mold Crown Court heard Forbes (33) of Dungannon in Northern Ireland did not have any paperwork for the eels, which can no longer be exported legally due to their endangered status.

Police said they were also being carried in "stressful and poor" conditions with a lack of water.

A specialist officer from the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Science carried out an examination of the eels that were still alive on the same evening - and those that were considered to be suffering were euthanised at the scene.

In November, Forbes was charged with offences under the Customs and Excise Act and the Animal Welfare Act.

He was given a 12-month prison sentence - suspended for eighteen months - and fined £1500 and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

PC Amy Bennett from the rural crime team at North Wales Police, said: "Forbes had a grave disregard for the welfare of these critically endangered European eels, that were being transported in appalling conditions, causing unnecessary suffering."

“This case highlights the need for stringent enforcement of wildlife protection laws."

“The positive outcome of this case was made possible through the collaborative partnership working, which is essential in tackling wildlife crime and ensuring the protection of our endangered species."

“We remain committed to working together to prevent such crimes and to safeguard our natural heritage for future generations."

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is listed as a critically endangered species on the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) red list, as it is at extremely high risk of extinction.

Eels play a key role in freshwater ecosystems as a high-order predator, helping regulate other species populations and maintaining freshwater biodiversity. They are also a critical food source for many birds, mammals and large fish.

Jon Hulland, head of enforcement for the Fish Health Inspectorate, said: “This operation was an excellent demonstration of how joint agency working and cooperation can ensure the criminal fraternity involved in the illegal trade in this critically endangered species are sent a very clear message - we will take swift action against them to ensure the European eels continued survival.”

Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, who leads the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, added: “This gives us yet another snapshot of the illegal wildlife trade thriving in the UK."

“Again, we see criminals exploit our animals and the systems in place to protect them for financial gain, all whist believing this is low risk and high reward."

“I would like to thank North Wales Police for their hard work and dedication in bringing this case to justice, alongside Garda and PSNI colleagues.”