FRANKFORT, Ky. —

Kentucky game wardens carried out 10 search warrants across the state this week as part of a monthslong crackdown on the illegal commercial harvest and sale of catfish.

The coordinated effort dubbed Operation River Raid followed a seven-month investigation by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Game wardens served the warrants on Sept. 12 in locations stretching from Paducah to Ashland.

Officials said the operation targeted individuals and entities suspected of breaking state laws governing commercial fishing and the sale of wildlife.

While details on suspects and evidence have not yet been released, the investigation remains active.

“We will not allow the illegal exploitation of resources inhabiting Kentucky’s rivers and lakes to go unanswered,”

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