Inside the Chinese Cartel of Baja California: The Totoaba Trade

Video Description

Junchung Wu is the head of a criminal network which traffics in endangered totoaba fish, one of the most powerful criminal networks on the planet. The totoaba fish is known as the cocaine of the sea, because one kilo of totoaba is worth even more than the same weight of cocaine. Totoaba swim bladders are used in Chinese traditional medicine, which has driven up the value of the fish. The traffic of totoaba is considered to be one of the most violent illicit trades in the world, and China requested Interpol to issue the red notice on Junchung Wu who is currently believed to be in Tijuana, Mexico. The traffickers catch totoaba fish with gillnets which are indiscriminate killers of the endemic species. They entrap other animals such as the Vaquita Porpoise, which is critically endangered with as few as ten specimens left in the wild. The nets also trap sea turtles and other vulnerable species. Meanwhile investigators face the risk of violence, and report having been attacked by poachers, their boats stormed, and even hit with Molotov cocktails. The illicit trade is managed by the Sinoloa cartel in Mexico, via the so-called Sea Cartel, alongside the Chinese mafia who provide the finances and are the key to the whole supply chain. We meet those who are determined to bring him to justice and to stop the violent trade which is killing our planet. ------- Bear witness to monumental moments in human history, and human's most terrible crimes. Java Witness is home to incredible stories of good and evil, from fascinating stories of old, to chilling documents of heinous murders and modern-day mafias and gangs. From dinosaurs to medieval feasts, ancient wars and battles, through Kings and Queens, World Wars and critical world events, watch some of the best history documentary series, world history specials and more, all for FREE! Hit SUBSCRIBE and enable the bell notifications to know first about all new documentaries on the channel! At least 2 FULL documentaries available to watch FREE online every week! Subscribe to our Discover channel for more documentaries: https://www.youtube.com/c/JavaFilms/