Taiwan Coast Guard arrests 7 selling ‘sawfish swords’

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard said Wednesday it seized four “sawfish swords” taken from critically endangered sawfish.

Seven people were arrested on suspicion of trafficking protected wildlife products. The operation was carried out by the Beimen Brigade under the Coast Guard Investigation Branch, with searches conducted in New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

Chang Li-wen (張力文), deputy captain of the Beimen Brigade, told local media the Coast Guard received a tip that someone was selling sawfish-derived products online. The case was reported to the New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office, which formed a joint task force with the Coast Guard and the Ocean Conservation Administration.

“Sawfish swords” are ritual implements used in folk religious practices, made from the extended nose of sawfish, a family of large rays distinguished by their long, saw-like snouts lined with sharp teeth. Some species can grow up to eight meters, making them among the world’s largest fish.

Chang said the task force seized four shark swords between July and October in four cities, and seven suspects were transferred to the New Taipei and Tainan District Prosecutors' Offices for investigation under the Wildlife Conservation Act.

He said the suspects used anonymous online posts to market the items, which have high demand in some folk ritual communities due to their distinctive appearance and symbolic meaning. Chang said the raids demonstrate the government’s resolve to enforce wildlife protection laws.

The OCA said the illegal sale of shark swords is punishable by six months to five years in prison and fines ranging from NT$300,000 to NT$1.5 million (US$9,600 to US$47,800).