Two boats returning from The Bahamas and entering Martin County, West Palm Beach have been confiscated by Florida police after 120 illegal lobster tails and 14 queen conch were found on board, according to international reports.
According to WPTV, while on a routine boat patrol Thursday night, Marine Unit Deputy Michael Joseph stopped two boats in the Inlet.
Both captains said they were coming back from the West End, Grand Bahama.
Deputy Joseph had the two boats go to Sandsprit Park for a vessel inspection, according to the report.
At the park, Marine Deputy Travis Dykes and K-9 Deputy Pete Peterson began an inspection on the boats and found the lobster tails, many of them undersized, hidden beneath ice blocks on one boat.
According to the report, on the second boat, deputies found 14 queen conch, also hidden.
The captains admitted to possessing the illegal haul, knowing that the quantity far exceeded what is allowed by law. Queen conch is illegal to possess in Florida waters.
The lobster tails and conch were turned over to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for further investigation.
The Florida police said Bahamian officials have been notified.