Chris Clegg
South Peace News
A Faust man and Wabasca woman are facing charges after Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services concluded a two-year undercover investigation targeting repeat offenders involved in the illegal trafficking of fish in the Faust area near Lesser Slave Lake.
In a news release issued May 13 by Fish and Wildlife, they allege Lee Roy Andrews committed crimes and charged him with three counts of unlawful sale and possession of fish, despite facing charges from a previous fish trafficking case.
“. . . an individual continued to illegally kill, sell, and waste fish – before the initial court proceedings concluded.”
A Wabasca woman, Loreen Virgini Houle, faces a single count of unlawful possession and sale of fish.
During the investigation, an estimated 2,200 lbs of game fish—including walleye, northern pike, and lake whitefish—were illegally harvested from Lesser Slave Lake and trafficked, says the release.
At the time of the arrest, officers seized the truck used in all three illegal transactions. A boat and two gill nets (with caught fish) were also seized.
All seized fish will be distributed to Albertans in need.
“The illegal trade of fish and wildlife fuels black market demand, encouraging further poaching and puts pressure on vulnerable fish populations,” says the release.
“Trafficking fish is a serious offence in Alberta, carrying maximum penalties of $100,000 and up to one year in jail per count.”
Fish & Wildlife encourages anyone who knows of or suspects wildlife or fishery violations to call the 24-hour Report-A-Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.