The RCMP have opened a criminal investigation into allegations that ten lobster fishing boats operated by Mi’kmaq fishers were purposely cut loose from a wharf Thursday and that catch was stolen.

       Sipekne’katik First Nation Chief Mike Sack has alleged the boats were cast adrift from their berths in Weymouth North, N.S., to damage the band’s property and intimidate its fishers.

       The Mounties said Friday they were taking the complaint seriously and seeking the public’s assistance with the case.

       Later in the day, the RCMP issued a news releasing adding that a lobster crate containing $800 worth of lobster was stolen from one of the boats.

       Sack has said the boats were ready to take part in the band’s food, social and ceremonial lobster fishery, which is regulated by federal rules but not limited to a particular season.

       The band attracted national attention last fall when it started a separate, self-regulated commercial lobster fishery on St. Marys Bay, three months before the federally regulated season was scheduled to open.

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