Louisiana Wildlife Agents Arrest Shrimpers on Drugs, Weapons, Illegal Nets in Iberia Parish

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents arrested Rendal D. Jennies Jr. on multiple charges including possession of cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a sawed-off shotgun, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon during an inspection of a commercial shrimping vessel in Cote Blanche Bay, Iberia Parish. The vessel was found using oversized skimmer nets and violating turtle excluder device (TED) requirements, leading to the seizure and sale of 1,813 pounds of shrimp and the confiscation of the illegal nets. The captain, Peter Nguyen, was cited for shrimping violations including possession of undersized stone crab claws. The arrest highlights the extensive duties of wildlife agents who enforce commercial fishing regulations as well as protect public safety from illegal drug and weapon possession on the water. The penalties for Jennies' firearm and drug charges carry significant fines and prison time. These enforcement actions demonstrate ongoing efforts to regulate commercial fishing practices and combat criminal activity in Louisiana waters.