Caribbean News
Alleged Poachers Detained
#TurksandCaicos, January 11, 2023 – Quick collaborative responses from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch and The Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) has resulted in the arrest and detention of eight (8) Dominican Republic nationals.
The suspects were apprehended this morning (January 11th) following a report of illegal fishing occurring on the Caicos Banks .
Based on the information received yesterday (January 10) an operation was conducted in the vicinity of White Cay at
Today, at 4 am, the operation teams intercepted three Panga fishing vessels, three miles south of White Cay.
The male suspects were detained and officers confiscated a large quantity of marine life.
Those detained are assisting officers from the DECR with on-going investigations.
Commenting on the strategic alliance which netted the suspects, Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said, “This is a great example of excellent work and collaboration between members of the public and the Force. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication displayed by my officers who will remain painstakingly vigilant in patrolling our waters. The flagrant disregard for the laws protecting marine life within the beautiful by nature TCI by those bent on seeking to retrieve financial gains illegally, will not be tolerated. Our efforts in alliance with the DECR will continue until these threats dissipate”.
The public is being advised to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers and give any information illegal activity anonymously.
Please note, that Crime Stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency.
Release: RTCIPF