Operation PAID Update

28 May 2008

In a second phase of Operation PAID, additional authorities to enter were executed in Wellington. An additional 10 persons were located and an additional two vehicles seized.

Court dates have been set for persons arrested yesterday and today as part of the Ministry of Fisheries major paua poaching operation, Operation PAID.

Today in the Lower Hutt District Court a man will face serious charges under Section 233 of the Fisheries Act. The man is the alleged leader of the Wellington paua poaching network targeted by those involved in Operation PAID.

A person will also appear in the Manukau District Court today. The Ministry of Fisheries will seek specific bail provisions.

Further to this, a number of Auckland based people will face charges in the Manukau District Court this Friday, 30 May.

The remainder of alleged offenders will appear in the Lower Hutt District Court on June 10, 12 and 17.

Those appearing in court are expected to face more than 300 serious charges under the Fisheries Act 1996.

These charges are carried out under Section 233 of the Fisheries Act, which carries a maximum penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.