Incident occurred on June 18 in Terrebonne Parish
A tip led enforcement agents to a seafood dock in Dulac on Sunday, where one person was cited for alleged commercial fishing violations and another was booked into the Terrebonne Parish jail on drug charges, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Agents cited Arthur Freeman, 53, of Lockport, for selling fish without a commercial wholesale dealer’s license, failing to complete a trip ticket, possession of marijuana, and failing to comply with the individual fishing quota (IFQ) program by not giving a three hour notification of selling red snapper, not getting a IFQ confirmation number and not reporting his IFQ landing, according to a press release.
Additionally, agents arrested Ross Adam, 33, of Grand Isle, for alleged possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and being in possession of a firearm while in possession of an illegal controlled substance. Adam was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Jail, the release states.
After receiving the tip, agents arrived at the seafood dock and allegedly found Freeman and Adam in a boat with eight red snapper totaling 69 pounds. According to the release, Freeman was attempting to sell the fish for $3 per pound without a commercial wholesale dealer’s license or a completed trip ticket.
After inspecting the vessel, agents allegedly found Freeman in possession of marijuana, and Adam allegedly in possession of meth, two pipes, and a rifle and pistol. Agents seized the snapper and sold them to the highest bidder, the release states.
Possession of methamphetamine carries up to a $5,000 fine and five years in jail. Possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia brings up to a $500 fine and six months in jail. Possession of a firearm while in possession of illegal drugs carries up to a $10,000 fine and five to 10 years of prison.
Selling fish without a wholesale dealer’s license and failing to complete a trip ticket each brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Failing to give a three-hour notification, receive an IFQ confirmation number and report the red snapper each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail for each offense, the release states.
