Dominican Republic men fined for fishing illegally in Jamaican waters
Thirty-two men from the Dominican Republic who were caught fishing illegally in Jamaican waters last weekend have been fined a little more than $4 million.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Assan Thompson, head of the Border Security Branch, says it is the largest fine ever imposed on persons who committed the offence.
“I think this will send a strong message to those persons who come into Jamaican waters (for) fishing especially without licence,” Mr. Thompson asserted.
The men were escorted by the police back to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard base at Port Royal, where they are being held.
In the meantime, ACP Thompson urged unscrupulous persons to “stay clear of our waters because we have heightened our border security activities, not only against persons who are fishing, but we are looking again on persons who might be dealing in the trafficking of illegal firearms and ammunition.”