Shrimp Boat Inspection Leads to Drug Arrest in Iberia Parish

(KMDL-FM) When you think about the duties that agents of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries must perform, you probably stop well short of what's required to hold the job. Most of us think of "Game Wardens" as the agents who want to see our fishing licenses or make us verify that our paperwork is for that deer we have strapped to the truck.

But the truth of the matter is that our Wildlife Agents work long and arduous hours for one simple reason. They want to protect us from ourselves. And, along the way, they want to make sure that the outdoor experience you grew up with is still available for future generations of Louisiana sportsmen and women.

READ MORE: When Does Deer Season Begin in Louisiana in 2025?

READ MORE: Louisiana Hunter Arrested After "Shot in the Dark" Goes Wrong

Besides the service these agents provide to recreational outdoorsmen, they are also tasked with maintaining the rules, regulations, and policies that have been implemented for our commercial fishing operations as well.

Last week, agents were patrolling Cote Blanche Bay when they observed a commercial shrimping vessel skimming for shrimp. The agents identified themselves to the captain of the vessel and boarded it for an impromptu inspection.

Louisiana Wildlife Agents Arrest Two While Shrimping on Cote Blanche Bay

Two individuals were on board the vessel at the time of the inspection. The Captain, Peter Nguyen of Houma, and his associate Rendal D.Jennies, also of Houma. An inspection of the vessel found that it was operating with oversized nets and did not comply with current TED requirements.

Agents also noted there were some 1,813 pounds of shrimp on the vessel, and because of the violations, those shrimp were seized and sold later to the highest bidder at the docks. Agents also seized two illegal skimmer nets.

Get our free mobile app

Each of the men on board the vessel was also charged. The Captain, Peter Nguyen, was found to be in possession of three undersized stone crab claws. This, in addition to the skimmer net violations.

What Penalties Will The Arrested Shrimpers Be Facing?

Meanwhile, Rendal D. Jennies was found to be in possession of cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a sawed-off shotgun.  Agents seized those items and placed the men under arrest.

As far as what penalties the men could be facing, that will be determined at a later date, but here are some of the parameters for the charges they are facing. Congratulations to the Department of Wildlife professionals involved in this operation. Those include  Lt. Lance Devillier, Sgt. Lucas Hidalgo, Agent Gaven Bazer, and Agent Lane Devillier.