Months-long investigation into illegal catfish harvest and sale leads to charges

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A months-long investigation resulted in charges being filed against several individuals.

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says Game Wardens served multiple search warrants on Friday after a seven-month investigation, called “Operation River Raid,” into illegal commercial harvest and sale of catfish.

Game Wardens executed 10 search warrants between Paducah and Ashland.

KDFWR says the investigation focused on individuals and entities suspected of violating state law.

The investigation is ongoing, and KDFWR will release the identities of the individuals at a later date.

“We will not allow the illegal exploitation of resources inhabiting Kentucky’s rivers and lakes to go unanswered,” said Col. Jeremy McQueary, director of Law Enforcement for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting both the resource and the public who depend on it.”

To report illegal activity to KDFWR, call 1-800-25-ALERT or the KFWLaw App using Tip411.