On Sunday, March 27th officers from the Eastern Districts had cause to attend a residence located on John McLean Drive.  On arrival they observed the gathering of a crowd and what appeared to be illegal sale of liquor and illegal animals (fowls) fighting matches.

After a search of the area, cages with roosters and other chickens, some shaved and groomed, and others wearing spurs, were observed, while two more roosters were found in a fighting ring with injuries. Quantities of ganja in individual packages, as well as other items associated with cockfighting, were seen and recovered by the officers. The officers also seized a significant quantity of alcohol at the location.

The Animal Welfare Unit with the Department of Agriculture were contacted and attended the location and assisted the police officers by recovering seventeen (17) roosters, believed to have been used in illegal cockfighting. Chickens that were not suspected to have been used in this illegal activity were left at the location.  Further investigations will be carried out in relation to these animals.

A 55-year-old-man of East End was arrested on suspicion of possession of ganja with intent to supply and other drug-related offences, and cruelty to animals (cockfighting). He was also warned for intended prosecution in relation to offences committed under the Liquor License Act.

The crowd at the location became aggressive towards the officers and a larger crowd also began to gather.  For the safety of the officers involved and the members of the public, the officers departed the location with the items already seized and the man in custody.  The man was bailed by the police and further investigations into this matter continue.