Florida man in hot water after bust on turnpike reveals undersized lobster tails

Authorities on the Florida Turnpike made a mouthwatering discovery after a traffic stop on Wednesday: 232 lobster tails, 167 of them undersized.

Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies figured something was amiss when they discovered the tails lined inside a large cooler.

They summoned wardens with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Alberto Varea, the alleged culprit, is now in substantially hot water, facing second-degree misdemeanor charges.

"This is a perfect example how interagency cooperation often results in detection of major wildlife law violations," said Lt. Chuck Russo of the FWC. "This case is a sad example that shows some people have no respect for Florida's natural resources."

It remains unclear what will become of the tails.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Lobster tails discovered Wednesday by officers after a traffic stop on the Florida Turnpike. Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Comments

[Brendan Park]

Most of the time the seized evidence (fish, lobster, crabs, deer meat) is donated to non-profit organizations. Homeless shelters are usually the favorite for officers when they have large fish seizures.