Several individuals were arrested after a U-Haul filled with illegally harvested saw palmetto berries was seized in St. Lucie, according to the latest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) weekly law enforcement report.
The incident occured after officers had received a tip about the U-Haul driving through Savannah’s Preserve State Park at night. A traffic stop was initiated just outside the park.
The driver and passenger fled on foot but with the assistance of a St. Lucie K-9 unit, the suspects were apprehended.
Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers found nine additional people along with multiple bags containing over 9,400 pounds of illegally harvested saw palmetto berries. In total, 11 individuals were arrested for the illegal operation within the state park.
Due to its environmental impact, saw palmetto berry harvesting is strictly regulated, and this major bust underscores ongoing efforts to combat illegal harvesting in Florida’s protected areas.