RCMP charge 23 after lobster pound ransacked last fall in southwest N.S.

The RCMP have charged 23 people over an incident that occurred at a lobster pound in Middle West Pubnico on Oct. 13, 2020. Fifteen people have been charged with break and enter, and eight have been charged with mischief and break and enter.

The incident happened during weeks of unrest over the moderate livelihood fishery

Vernon Ramesar CBC News Posted: Jan 12, 2021 4:27 PM EST | Last Updated: January 12, 2021

The charges are related to an incident that happened 4 days before the Middle West Pubnico, N.S., lobster pound burned to the ground. (Taryn Grant/CBC)

Charges have been laid against 23 people in connection with an incident last year at a lobster pound in Middle West Pubnico, N.S.

On Oct. 13, 2020,amob descended on theYarmouth County lobster pound, forcingMi'kmaw fisherman Jason Marrto barricade himself inside.

His vehicle was vandalized and hundreds of lobsters from the pound were scatteredon the pavement outside.

Four days later, on Oct. 17, the pound was destroyed in a fire the RCMP described as suspicious. The blaze remains under investigation.

The incidents occurredduring weeks of unrest in the province's southwest, sparked by the launch of a moderate livelihoodlobster fishery by the Sipekne'katik band outside the federally mandated commercial season.

Sipekne'katik Chief Mike Sack said he'spleased people were being held accountable, but questioned why more people weren't charged.

"There werehundreds of people at those incidents and only [23]are being charged at a time, so I think there's still another 150 people that should be held accountable for their actions as well," he said.

He described the types of charges as "minimal" and a "slap on the wrist."

Investigation continues

There have been calls for theRCMP to investigate the Oct. 13incidentas a hate crime.

Sgt. Andrew Joyce, a spokesperson for the force, told CBC News "that avenue would be explored," but he had not been informed of any evidence or charges to that effect.

Joyce also said additional charges could be laid if more information comes to light that identifies other individuals.

The 23 people charged are from Yarmouth and Shelburnecounties. Court appearances have been scheduled for March 29in Yarmouth provincial court.

The people charged with break and enter have been identified as: