Illegally farmed razor clams seized in Oban
A consignment of razor clams that was illegally harvested in waters around Barra has been destroyed after being intercepted en-route to Hong Kong.
The 815kg catch, worth about £40,000, was seized from a vehicle at Oban Ferry Terminal on 27 February.
The operation involved Argyll and Bute Council, the Food Standards Agency, Marine Scotland and Police Scotland.
Shellfish farmed in unclassified areas are deemed unfit for human consumption and cannot enter the food chain.
Argyll and Bute Council's David Kinniburgh said: "The council is advising shellfish harvesters, processors and food businesses to ensure that any shellfish intended for human consumption should be harvested from approved waters and be accompanied by the appropriate documentation.
"There are significant risks attached to the consumption of unsafe shellfish, not only for the consumer but for the local and national shellfish industry.
"We aim to ensure that products entering the food chain are safe and that we protect responsible businesses."