A Greek Cypriot man from Xylophagou faces fines of up to €6,000 following his arrest yesterday for possession of active mistnets and protected Ambelopoulia (black caps) stored frozen in his home refrigerator.
According to SBA press statement, Sovereign Base Area Police anti-trapping officers swooped on the man’s property during an early morning operation and were able to seize two mistnets measuring six metres by three metres, whilst releasing snared birds before they were killed.
During a search of the man’s house, which was located on the same land as the mistnets, officers then discovered the refrigerator with 23 black caps and thrushes stored inside.
Speaking on the morning of the arrest, Superintendent Panicos Panayi said,
“The fines have increased enormously and in this case the man can be fined €2,000 for possession of nets and a further €500 for every additional net.
“On top of that, there is also the potential for a fine of €2,000 for possession of black caps and a further €100 for every bird, so we hope these heavy fines represent a strong deterrent for those considering bird trapping.”
In an earlier operation on August 31, the superintendent confirmed a Greek Cypriot man from Achna Forest had also been arrested for suspected poaching offences and possession of a firearm and live cartridges in his vehicle.
Following police intelligence gathered on the man, officers were able to locate the individual’s vehicle and secure a search warrant for his home, where a refrigerator containing 100 wood pigeons, four hares and ducks were all frozen inside.
It is stated that since the launch of the SBA Police’s Community Action team in 2016, bird trapping numbers have been reduced by almost 100 per cent.
Both men are due to appear in court in the coming days charged with the relevant offences.
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