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Breaking: Heiko Bleher released
Heiko Bleher, the ichthyological explorer who was arrested in Brazil with photographer Natasha Khardina for alleged fish smuggling, has been released from prison, Practical Fishkeeping can exclusively reveal.
Bleher contacted Practical Fishkeeping this afternoon to confirm that the pair had been released from prison after three and a half days behind bars.
According to IBAMA, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, Bleher attempted to board a flight with a co-passenger while carrying preserved fish tissues in alcohol and formalin without authorisation.
(See
Heiko Bleher arrested in Manaus for alleged fish smuggling, News, 2 September, 2008.)
IBAMA said that the arrest came after a year-long investigation by IBAMA and the Federal Police who suspected that Bleher was exporting material in this manner.
Bleher confirmed that he was travelling to Milan from Manaus with Khardina, not Miami as stated in some Brazilian newspaper reports.
We hope to bring more details shortly.
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PFK article:
and comments from Heiko himself: