The saying that one thing leads to another couldn’t have been truer for two men in Louisiana on a recent Sunday. They were on a boat in Terrebonne Parish when authorities confronted them regarding some red snapping turtles that authorities say trying to sell. There are strict regulations about such things, and not only do officials say the two men did not adhere to the rules, they’ve also accused them of drug crimes as well.
Someone reportedly called the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agency to inform them that men were trying to sell red snappers at a particular dock. A wholesale commercial dealer’s license is needed to do so. The agents who responded to the call spoke with the men and say that neither had the appropriate license. The men also allegedly failed to provide a necessary three-hour notification to the Individual Fishing Quota program.
The situation became even worse for the boaters, ages 53 and 33, when authorities searched their vessel and claim to have found illegal drugs. They say one of the men had marijuana and the other was in possession of methamphetamine, as well as pipes that may be used for smoking drugs, and several firearms. The going price for the red snappers the men were supposedly trying to sell would have netted them a little more than $200.
Both men now face substantial fines far exceeding that amount in addition to possible time in prison. As in all such situations in Louisiana, each man will be given the opportunity to present a strong criminal defense in court. To do so, most people facing such circumstances enlist the help of experienced criminal lawyers to act on their behalves during proceedings, which typically increases the chances of avoiding conviction.
Source: nola.com, “Illegal red snapper sale leads to drug bust, agents say“, Todd Masson, June 20, 2017
