Couple arrested for taking whelks out of season

(CMR) A Bodden Town couple were recently arrested for taking whelks out of season and other drug related offenses.

Shortly after 10:00 am on Thursday, 13 September, RCIPS officers attended the Kaibo Public Beach in North Side, in response to a request from marine officers of the Department of Environment (DOE). The DOE officers had been in the process of searching a vehicle belonging to persons who were suspected to have been taking marine life from a Marine Park. A quantity of suspected ganja in various containers was recovered during the search and police officers were called to assist.

The suspects, a man age 35 of Bodden Town, and a woman age 37 of Bodden Town, were arrested on suspicion of possession and consumption of ganja. A bag containing a quantity of whelks was recovered in the vehicle, and the suspects were also arrested on suspicion of taking whelks outside of season. They were transported to the Cayman Islands Detention Centre and later bailed.

The RCIPS and DOE are reminding the public about the regulations on taking or possessing whelks and that it is currently closed season.

Closed season lasts from 1 May through 31 October and re-opens on 1 November. During this time, no one may take whelks in the Cayman Islands, or purchase, receive, or possess whelk taken in the Cayman Islands.

During the open season the catch limit is two -and-a-half gallons in the shell or two-and-a-half pounds of processed whelks per person per day. No one may purchase or receive more than two-and-a- half gallons in the shell or two-and-a-half pounds processed whelks from Cayman in any one day. In addition, chitons, periwinkles and bleeding teeth may not be taken at any time.

The RCIPS and DOE will continue to enforce these laws throughout both open and closed seasons, and persons are advised to familiarize themselves with these regulations.