FWC INVESTIGATORS CHARGE RESTAURANT OWNER
April 16, 2004
Contact: Henry Cabbage (850) 488-4676     Henry.Cabbage@fwc.state.fl.us

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigators wrapped up a three-month undercover investigation Thursday with the arrest of Zhou Xiang on 62 counts of illegally purchasing fish and wildlife, illegal possession of undersized fish and other charges.

Xiang, who operates the Pacific Island restaurant in Weston, is accused of purchasing wild ducks, white-tailed deer, a bear and snook from investigators. Other charges include possession of undersized snook and grouper, possession of more than two snook and license violations.

All charges are second-degree misdemeanors, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine on each count.

FWC law enforcement director, Col. Julie Jones, said the case resulted from some fine police work by investigators and should send a strong message to people who illegally buy and sell Florida's fish and wildlife.

"The black market for Florida's living resources amounts to theft against all the people of this state," she said. "The FWC has responsibility to enforce conservation laws aggressively, and we take that responsibility quite seriously."
HPC/OIS