By Alesha Capone
SOME criminals were caught hook, line and sinker in Sunshine recently, when three men were arrested over abalone trafficking on Friday 19 November.
Department of Primary Industries employees knew there was something fishy occurring when they allegedly discovered a commercial quantity of the sea creatures, underwater diving equipment, a night viewing device, binoculars and radios in vehicles outside a Sunshine Chinese restaurant.
Fisheries Victoria officers allegedly found the fish and other items in a rental car at the business’s rear car park and in another car parked nearby.
Afterwards, a 40-year-old man from Rye and another male, aged 48 and from Rosebud, were bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on January 12 next year.
A 44-year-old man from Ascot Vale was also arrested and interviewed, and will be charged on summons.
Fisheries Victoria’s chief investigator Murray Donaldson said evidence gathered prior to the three arrests pointed to a large scale trafficking operation.
Members of the public who observe illegal fishing activity can call 13 3474.
