Two arrested after illegal seafood found during traffic stop

Two mainland men were arrested Thursday afternoon after a litany of undersized lobster tails and stone crab claws were found in a van stopped for speeding and other infractions on U.S. 1.

Traffic Enforcement Unit Deputy Aaron Roddy stopped a white van at approximately 3 p.m. on U.S. 1 near Bahia Honda Key for speeding, following too closely and failure to yield right of way.

Deputy Roddy noticed the strong odor of fish and marine life emitting from the van as he approached. Deputy Roddy called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for back up. Deputy Roddy asked to see inside the van and the driver obliged.

Deputy Roddy and FWC Officers observed what appeared to be undersized wrung lobster tails inside the van.

A full search of the van ensued and the following were found:

  • 100 short, wrung lobster tails.
  • Four short, live lobster
  • Seventeen short stone crab claws
  • One undersized mutton snapper

The driver was identified as Osvaldo Hernandez, 65, of Fort Lauderdale.

The passenger was identified as Vladimir Medina Martin, 43, of Miami.

Hernandez was given written warnings for the driving infractions. The FWC handled the wildlife violations aspect of the traffic stop.

Both men were taken to jail by the FWC.

For more information about fishing regulations go to www.myfwc.com

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