(KRON) -- A probation search of a driver and his vehicle in Windsor on Wednesday uncovered dozens of illegally harvested red abalone along with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, police said. A traditional food for Indigenous communities and once a popular catch, recreational red abalone harvesting has been prohibited since 2017 due to “extreme environmental conditions,” according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
A Windsor Police Department deputy contacted the driver, identified as Jason Ramos, 46, of Santa Rosa, and a passenger, Nichole Lee, 35, of Santa Rosa, at 10:30 p.m. on the 700 block of Shiloh Road. Ramos was found to be on active Post Release Community Supervision and misdemeanor probation and was detained for a compliance check.
NorCal couple who blurted wildlife crimes to officers plead guiltyDuring a search of the vehicle, authorities said they found “approximately 35 live abalone, a northwestern pond turtle, wet clothing, and tools used to remove the abalone from rocks.” Also located in the search were hypodermic needles, drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, according to police.
(Windsor Police Department)Ramos admitted to the deputy, Windsor PD said, that he poached the abalone near Elk in Mendocino County and that it was for personal consumption. The black market for abalone "pays poachers a premium," police said.
Lee also told the deputy that she was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Ramos was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail for possessing creatures unlawfully taken, violating terms of his probation and outstanding warrants from Lake and Mendocino counties. Lee was arrested and booked for possession of a controlled substance.
(Windsor Police Department)“Due to the condition of the abalone and location, unfortunately they could not be returned to their natural habitat and were disposed of,” Windsor police said on social media. “The pond turtle was turned over to animal control and returned to the wild.”
The CDFW is assisting with the investigation.
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