The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says it intends to take the strongest possible legal action against those responsible for the illegal importation of three monkeys that were seen running loose in Stony Hill, St Andrew, earlier this week.

All three monkeys, which were identified as white-faced capuchins, are not native to Jamaica and have since been captured.

NEPA reports that they pose serious threats to public health and Jamaica’s agricultural industry.

The animals will be quarantined at Hope Zoo while a decision is made about the next course of action.

The Agency says it will be working with its partners, including the police, to identify the location from which the monkeys escaped.

It says permits can be acquired through the Veterinary Services Division of the Agriculture Ministry and NEPA.

Persons in breach of the import requirements can be fined a maximum of 5 million dollars under the Natural Resources and Conservation Authority Act

NEPA is urging the public not to import animals into the country without the necessary approval.