On Thursday, eight poachers from the Dominican Republic were detained in waters off the Turks and Caicos Islands

Police in Turks said they received information that illegal fishing was taking place on the Caicos Banks on January 10, following which officers conducted a search in White Cay and eventually intercepted three Panga fishing vessels, three miles south of White Cay.

A large quantity of marine life was confiscated and the suspects were arrested and are said to be assisting police with their investigations

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “This is a great example of excellent work and collaboration between members of the public and the Force. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication displayed by my officers who will remain painstakingly vigilant in patrolling our waters. The flagrant disregard for the laws protecting marine life within the beautiful by nature TCI by those bent on seeking to retrieve financial gains illegally, will not be tolerated. Our efforts in alliance with the DECR will continue until these threats dissipate”.