see also: in June 2008:   CBP in New Orleans Offers Tips for International Air Travelers for Summer Season   CBP Offers Tips for International Air Travelers in Memphis for Summer Season   U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Host San Diego Hiring Event   Baltimore CBP Recovers Stolen Vehicle Being Shipped Overseas   Border Patrol Agents Seize Cocaine, Methamphetamines and Marijuana   Canada, U.S. Sign Arrangement to Align Security Standards for Cross-Border Business   CBP, Texas Strengthen Partnership to Ensure Border Security ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Lewiston, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced the seizure of four endangered fish resulting in two federal arrests in the smuggling attempt.

On June 21, CBP officers encountered 40-year-old Robert Battaglia and 59-year-old Richard Feustel, as they applied for admission into the United States at the Lewiston Bridge border crossing in Lewiston, N.Y. Both subjects are United States citizens and reside in the Long Island, N.Y., area. Primary questioning raised the suspicion of the CBP officer and a primary trunk inspection was conducted. During the course of that inspection, the CBP officer discovered four live Asian arowana fish (Arowana Scleropages Formosas), commonly known as Asian dragon fish, concealed in the spare tire well. Both subjects were taken into custody.

During an interview conducted by CBP officers and agents from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Battaglia claimed that he was asked by a friend in New York, N.Y., to purchase the fish and transport them back to New York City. After he transported the fish back to the city, he was to receive two fish as payment for the smuggling endeavor. He stated that he purchased the fish from a pet store in Toronto, Ontario, paying approximately $1,000 for each fish. The fish have an estimated value of $2,500 each in the United States.

Asian arowana fish are colored differently based on what specific region of Southeast Asia they came from. The fish are commonly know as Asian dragon fish because of their resemblance to the Chinese dragon. They have a special cultural significance in areas influenced by Chinese culture, as the fish are considered lucky because of this resemblance to the Chinese dragon. The Asian arowana fish are covered under the Endangered Species Act in the United States and cannot be possessed without a permit.

Both Battaglia and Feustel were arrested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and charged with illegal importation of wildlife articles. The fish were seized by CBP and turned over to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be used as evidence.

"The trafficking of endangered fish and wildlife decreases the population of these already threatened species,” said James T. Engleman, CBP director of field operations for the Buffalo field office. “This seizure demonstrates CBP's continued commitment to enforcing all U.S. laws and the vigilance and awareness of our officers, as well as our cooperation and coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.