A routine traffic stop in Sonoma County escalated dramatically when police discovered methamphetamine, hypodermic needles, and about 35 illegally harvested abalone in the suspect's vehicle. The driver, Jason Ramos, who was on probation, admitted to harvesting the shellfish from the Mendocino coast, despite it being illegal for years to fish or keep abalone due to their dwindling populations. Alongside environmental concerns, this incident underscores the serious ramifications of illegal wildlife harvesting in California.
"During a standard traffic stop, deputies discovered not only illegal drugs but also about three dozen illegally harvested abalone, highlighting significant environmental and legal issues."
"The driver, Jason Ramos, admitted to harvesting the abalone along the Mendocino County coast, which has been illegal in California for decades due to declining populations."
Collection
[
|
...
]