The Coast Guard cracks down on 19 fishermen who were caught red-handed with 2,200 pounds of illegal red snapper in U.S. waters near Texas!#Texas #News #CorpusChristiTX #Crime
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX On November 24, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard made a big bust when they found a group of Mexican fishermen fishing illegally in U.S. waters during a routine patrol off the Texas coast. The Coast Guard captured 19 participants in the operation and confiscated around 2,200 pounds of red snapper in a concerted attempt.
Coordinated Effort to Halt Illegal Activity
When three fishing vessels were discovered in U.S. waters north of the Maritime Boundary Line, the Coast Guard’s Corpus Christi aircrews and South Padre Island boat crews, working with partner agencies, acted swiftly.
In the Gulf of Mexico, these boats—known as lanchas—are frequently utilized for illicit fishing. The Coast Guard quickly stepped in and secured the boats and the fish the personnel had caught since they were fishing without permission.
Lanchas: A Tool for Illegal Fishing and Smuggling
Mexican fisherman frequently employ lanchas, which are small fishing boats that range in length from 20 to 30 feet. These boats, which usually have a single outboard motor, are commonly used in smuggling operations in addition to being a major instrument for illicit fishing.
Lanchas can easily avoid detection and enter U.S. waters because of their mobility and design. Such illicit activity threatens local fisheries and the national security of the United States, and the Coast Guard has been attempting to stop it.
Seizure and Detention of Fishermen
The Coast Guard found the illegal catch—nearly 2,200 pounds of red snapper—along with highflyers and fishing gear after stopping the lanchas. U.S. Customs and Border Protection received the 19 arrested fishermen for additional processing. The individuals may be subject to legal repercussions for their acts in U.S. waters, and the fish were confiscated as evidence.
CONNECTED TOPICS: Mexico, Texas, and Crime
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