Be the first to comment!Man “hides” illegal mist nets, Gozo Police find “other items” – MRU
 Email item
|  Print item
|
|
The Malta Ranger Unit said that its Rangers were in Ghasri, Gozo, “due to the excessive illegal usage of electronic bird callers lately”. The MRU added that on one site, “which is notorious for breaches, our Rangers spot a large amount of illegal mist nets inside a tree covered area.”
The MRU said that the poles were seen put up just days before. It pointed out that the area is also just metres away from a protected bird sanctuary
The Rangers immediately alerted the Gozo Police. “Unfortunately, directly afterwards, the men are seen running out to dismantle the nets and hide them on the site,” the MRU said.
It added that when the Police arrived, the men won’t hand over the hidden nets and the Police are seen randomly searching.
The MRU said that “at one point, one of the officers found a large marijuana plant that was hidden on site. The individuals are brought to the Police vehicles, with the Police seen carrying the plant and a plastic bag with unknown content.”
The illegal mist nets were never recovered. The MRU said that “a visit to the station to request for another search at the proven hiding spot was denied by the Police.”
The Rangers noted that “the only thing that safeguards prosecution is that the Rangers documented it all, and full evidence will be submitted for Court action to be taken against the accused.”
The MRU reiterated that “Gozo remains without an Environmental Protection Unit Police although our NGO has pointed out this loophole for years. Both on social media and in meetings with Minister Miriam Dalli.”
“It remains a challenge to report environmental crimes in Gozo,” stated the MRU. “Even less likely for such cases to be successful due to accused packing up before Police arrive.”
The MRU highlighted the fact that “in addition the Gozitan Police aren’t trained for the role of EPU, hence enforcement becomes flawed. All of this, leads to increased impunity for the criminals.”
Photos MRU: Top – “One of the accused is seen removing the mist nets minutes after the case has been reported to the Police”
