The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered more than half a ton of “illegal fish” last week.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the Coast Guard announced that it seized approximately 1,250 pounds of illegally caught fish on March 5 in waters off the coast of South Texas.
Boat crews found and detained 19 Mexican fishermen who were fishing from four different ranchas. The Coast Guard said the launcher was located north of the U.S. maritime boundary.
German Shepherd rescued in Texas looking for a quiet home with a large garden: Meet Dale
A lancha boat is a type of boat used by Mexican fishermen. The Coast Guard describes the vessel as “approximately 20 to 30 feet long, low profile, equipped with an outboard motor, and capable of traveling at speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour.”
The U.S. Coast Guard says it has seized “approximately 1,250 pounds” of illegally caught fish off the coast of Texas. (US Coast Guard)
“After interdicting the launcher, Coast Guard personnel seized 220 pounds of red snapper, as well as fishing gear and high flyers on board,” a Coast Guard press release explained.
“Coast Guard crews apprehended the Mexican fisherman, brought him ashore, and transported him to CBP personnel for further processing.”
A total of 1,250 pounds of fish was seized by authorities. The Coast Guard and CBP were assisted by Texas Game Warden from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Blind Texas student defies adversity to enroll in veterinary school: ‘Anything is possible’
“Combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is critical to protecting our precious resources and protecting our delicate marine environment,” said Glenn, Commander of Sector Corpus Christi. Chief Petty Officer Jimenez said in a statement.
In early March, U.S. authorities seized 1,250 pounds of fish, mostly red snapper. (US Coast Guard)
“We will continue to work closely with our local, state, federal and international partners to ensure the sustainability of our waters and deter these illegal activities.”
Click here to sign up for our lifestyle newsletter
U.S. authorities are wary of sightings of the Rancha in U.S. waters because it frequently engages in another type of illegal activity: drug smuggling.
The Coast Guard says, “Runcher vessels are frequently used to transport illegal narcotics into the United States and to transport fish illegally caught in the United States’ exclusive economic zone near the U.S.-Mexico border in the Gulf of Mexico. “
In January, the Coast Guard encountered three suspects fishing illegally off the coast of South Texas. They seized 350 pounds of fish from the suspect.
The U.S. Coast Guard says drug smuggling is a crime that can occur in Ranchas. (US Coast Guard)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Coast Guard for comment.
For more lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle..
