The totoaba fish is found exclusively in the Sea of Cortez in the Gulf of California, making it a prime target for illegal fishing operations.
The Dragon Cartel has established a strong presence along the West Coast, with the Port of Vancouver identified as a particularly vulnerable entry point for smuggling activities.
Historically, the Sea of Cortez was a vital hub for totoaba fishing, providing economic support for local communities. However, overfishing, habitat degradation and conservation efforts led to a ban on totoaba fishing in Mexico in the 1970s.
Despite these restrictions, the illegal trade has persisted and intensified, fueled by relentless demand from China.
Smuggling Tactics
Authorities face significant challenges in cracking down on the illicit totoaba trade. Vancouver’s high volume of legal seafood shipments makes it difficult to detect illegally traded bladders, which are often smuggled alongside frozen fish and squid.
