Pails of smuggled shrimp dumped by authorities

Jun 19, 2016 News

Two suspected shrimp smugglers were on Thursday nabbed by ranks attached to the No. 51

Buckets of the smuggled shrimp that were seized.

Police Station with the help of the East Berbice Corentyne Agriculture Association (EBCAA) and Customs officers. This was after weeks of continued stakeouts at the No. 63 Beach.

Secretary of the EBCAA, Suedatt Persaud, told this publication that on Thursday, they noticed a suspicious boat pulling in at the No. 63 Beach. The occupants then started off-loading pails of shrimp.
“We see them come in and they started off-loading in total 17 pails of shrimp in a car that was waiting on them. So we decided to let them leave and we trail them till we reach like No. 58 and they stop the car and one of the men run out and get away”.
Persaud added that the car broke down which allowed them enough time to seek the help of the officers at the No. 51 Police station which subsequently led to the arrest of the two suspects.
The catch and the car were taken to the No. 51 Police station where the shrimp was inspected by a Public Health Officer who deemed it unfit for human consumption. It was later dumped.
Persaud added that the Surinamese Government did not issue “Authorization of Wholesomeness” for shrimp.
According to Persaud, smuggling has been a problem for more than 15 years. He believes that the law relating to smuggling should be immediately reviewed.
“This thing has been going on for years now and we need to address it. What would have happened if we didn’t catch dem guys and they end up and sell the nasty shrimp? Is everybody who buy it woulda sick cause you can’t use that.”
Commander of ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam disclosed that the suspects have been released on bail while investigations continue.

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