Egyptian Authorities Seize Sea Cucumbers From Animal Traffickers

The Environmental Protection Police in the Red Sea government has apprehended an animal trafficker who was trying to smuggle dozens of sea cucumbers across the country. The suspect was found to have collected the sea cucumbers and dried them on a rooftop. The government has scheduled an environmental report to assess the damage that has been caused by this act.

The sea cucumber is considered a highly endangered animal, and is often sold at high prices for medical purposes. It has recently been studied for its pharmaceutical benefits, although its most common use has been in traditional Chinese medicine for fatigue, constipation, and - as is often the case with smuggled animals or animal parts that could be described as 'phallic' - impotence.

Often found at the bottom of the sea, the sea cucumber plays an important role in purifying sea water, and is often the subject of intrigue due to its unique biology (for example, were you aware that sea cucumbers defend themselves by vomiting their internal organs and smacking their enemies with it? You are now). Egypt is amongst the various countries that have placed a ban on hunting sea cucumbers.