Rockville Market Cited for Selling Illegal Eels

ROCKVILLE, MD — A market in Rockville was cited Monday by Maryland Natural Resources Police for selling Asian eels in violation of state law.

Officers acting on a tip visited the New York Mart, 15108 N. Frederick Road, accompanied by a Department of Natural Resources biologist. The biologist confirmed the market had live Asian swamp eels, known scientifically as Monopterus albus.

Maryland law prohibits the importation, transportation, sale or purchase of the eels, which are deemed an invasive species. The law also prohibits their release into state waters.

Officers met with the assistant store manager, who said the eels were shipped from the parent company in New York. He said he did not know that the eels were illegal.

The manager was issued two citations on behalf of New York Mart. The case will be heard in Montgomery District Court at a later date.

Nineteen swamp eels were seized and turned over to the department to be used for educational and/or scientific purposes.