Seven Dominican Republic nationals have been arrested and a vessel seized following a coordinated maritime operation targeting suspected illegal fishing activity in the territorial waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The operation took place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, after the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) acted on intelligence received from international partners. The response brought together the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, Border Force, and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) in a joint enforcement effort.
Authorities intercepted two vessels during the operation and recovered a quantity of suspected illegally harvested marine products. Seven adult Dominican men were taken into custody on suspicion of poaching and other offences under the territory’s Fisheries Protection legislation.
Investigations remain ongoing as DECR officers continue their enquiries in collaboration with law enforcement partners to determine the full extent of the alleged offences.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant praised the coordinated effort, saying the successful operation highlights the value of intelligence-led policing and strong partnerships in protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands’ territorial waters and marine resources.
“Illegal fishing and poaching pose a serious threat to our marine biodiversity, economy, and the livelihoods of those who depend on these resources,”
The RT&CIPF said it remains committed, alongside its law enforcement and regulatory partners, to disrupting illegal fishing and other maritime crimes while protecting the country’s marine resources and borders.
Police are encouraging anyone with information about illegal fishing, poaching, or other maritime offences to contact 911, the nearest police station, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
