Agents Seized Gear, Vessel, and Shrimp After Two Louisiana Men were Arrested in Connection with Drug and Shrimping Offenses

Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries stated on September 6, 2022, that enforcement agents apprehended two persons on September 1 in Terrebonne Parish for alleged illegal drug and shrimping offenses.

Agents arrested Hunter Daisy, 29, and Josie Valinsky, 37, both of Theriot, Louisiana, for possession of methamphetamine. Daisy was also arrested for using oversized skimmer nets, taking commercial fish without a commercial fishing license, selling commercial fish to consumers without a fresh products license, violation of license revocation, possession of more than 14 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Agents were patrolling near Oyster Bayou when they came upon Daisy and Valinsky selling shrimp to a recreational fishing vessel. Agents inspected the vessel and discovered that Daisy did not have a commercial fishing license and that his license had been revoked.

Agents discovered methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia, on board the vessel. Agents also discovered that the shrimping nets were larger than the 72-foot limit.

The suspects were arrested and booked into the Terrebonne Parish Jail.

Agents seized two skimmer nets, one 46-foot shrimp vessel on a department seizure order, and approximately 2,500 pounds of white shrimp that were sold.

Violations of license revocation are punishable by a fine of $400 to $950 and up to 120 days in jail. Each crime of using oversized skimmer nets, taking commercial fish without a commercial fishing license, and selling commercial fish to consumers without a fresh products license carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

Possession of methamphetamine carries a $5,000 fine and two years in prison. Possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable by a $300 fine and up to 15 days in prison. Possession of more than 14 grams of marijuana carries a $500 fine and a six-month prison sentence.

Sgt. Gerald Sander, Corporal Jeremy Foret, and Lt. Scott Dupre are the agents involved in the case.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.