As a result of a 24-month major case investigation in the Sambro area of Nova Scotia, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has laid 66 charges related to the illegal possession and sale of harvested halibut.
On 13th December, a total of 41 charges were laid at the Halifax Provincial Court for offences under the Fisheries Act and the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985. This is in addition to a total of 25 charges which were laid on 7th January this year.
In total, eight individuals and five companies have been charged in relation to this investigation. The accused charged on 13th December are scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court on 19th January 2022.
In addition to the charges, goods were seized, including a 50-foot longline fishing vessel and related fishing gear, two vehicles, a 28-foot enclosed trailer, a compact track loader, 7461 lbs of Atlantic halibut valued at approximately $40,000 CAD, including 17 which were undersized, and $36,000 CAD cash.
