Representatives of state and federal law enforcement agencies conducted searches and seized records and guiding equipment in Haines Monday in connection with an investigation into possible violations of wildlife laws.

Alaska State Trooper officials were tight-lipped about the investigation at press time Wednesday, but said a press release on the matter was pending.

A trooper source said the investigation involved law enforcement agencies in Canada and in multiple states in the Lower 48. The case appears to involve violations of the federal Lacey Act. The act prohibits trade in fish or game that has been illegally taken, possessed, transported or sold.

Enforcement officials made a similar sweep 1995. Borough police were not involved in the matter, said chief Gary Lowe.

Residents reported seeing more than a half dozen out-of-town law enforcement officials at locations around town Monday.

This story will be updated at the Chilkat Valley News website at http://www.chilkatvalleynews.com.