NR-PR-01-034E |
March
26, 2001 |
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Illegal
Prawn Sales Results in Fine, Prohibition, and Vehicle Forfeiture |
Campbell River, B.C. – A resident of Sayward has been
fined $4,000 after pleading guilty to illegally selling prawns not caught under
the authority of a commercial fishing licence, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
announced today.
Michael Arthur Sacht was apprehended by fishery officers on
December 22, 2000 after a nine-month investigation. Mr. Sacht was selling prawns
in the Campbell River area. On March 12, 2001, Mr. Sacht received a $4,000 fine
for his illegal activities.
In addition to the fine, the Campbell River provincial court
ordered forfeiture of his 1987 Ford Ranger truck, a freezer, packaging
equipment, and money acquired from the illegal sale of the prawns. Mr. Sacht is
also prohibited from possessing prawns or being on a vessel or vehicle that is
engaged in fishing for or transporting prawns for two years.
The illegal sale of fish is continuously being addressed by
Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Only fish caught under a licence that authorizes
sales should be purchased. Legally commercially harvested shellfish has been
through the necessary health and safety inspections and is safe to eat. Proper
documentation must accompany commercially harvested shellfish.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada asks for assistance from the public
in reporting any fisheries-related violations. Please call the 24-hour,
toll-free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336.
-30-
For information:
Steve Thompson
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Campbell River, B.C.
(250) 850-5709
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