Clarendon man arrested for alleged possession of crocodile and slider turtles

A Clarendon man was arrested after a crocodile and slider turtles were found at his home in Sandy Bay in the parish on Sunday.

The police say when they visited the location, the man disclosed that he was also in possession of other animals, including a constrictor, which is a type of snake that kills its prey by wrapping its body around it and squeezing until the prey suffocates or dies from circulatory failure. 

"We responded to a tip about an individual who had in his possession a crocodile, as well as a number of Jamaican slider turtles. Both the crocodile and the Jamaican sliders are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act, as well as the Fisheries Act and they're protected for various reasons, especially the crocodile that plays a very vital role in our ecosystem, and help to maintain our waters," said Deputy Superintendent Owen Brown, the Clarendon police division's territorial officer.

"The individual in question is located in the Green Park area. He had a number of animals in his possession, but we are primarily concerned with the crocodile and the turtles.

"We're not sure if he personally caught the animals, but he was in possession of them, so he will be charged both under the Wildlife Protection Act, as well as the Fisheries Act, because any animal that lives a part or the entirety of their life cycle in the water is considered a fish under the Jamaican law," Brown explained.

And speaking of the snake, Brown said, "We're not sure what species of constrictor, if it was a Jamaican yellow boa. He did not disclose that information to us, but these are species that are problematic for various reasons."

The police chief issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to refrain from capturing or possessing protected animals, including the Jamaican yellow boa. He emphasised that the species are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, making it illegal to capture, distribute, or sell them. 

According to Brown, many protected species, including crocodiles and turtles, are being illegally hunted for human consumption. 

"In Jamaican culture, they are termed as strong back to help with male virility. I don't think that holds any truth," said Brown.

He advised anyone who knows individuals with these species in their possession, to call the police, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA,) and those located in the Clarendon and St Catherine areas specifically, may contact the South East Coast Aquatic Management (SEACAM.)

"These protected species must not be found in your possession. They are not pets," Brown charged.

- Olivia Brown

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