The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says it will be working with its partners, including the police to identify the location from which three monkeys escaped earlier this week and will be taking the strongest possible legal action against those responsible for their importation.

The three white-faced capuchin monkeys sighted in Stony Hill St. Andrew, were reportedly brought to the island illegally.

Yesterday afternoon, NEPA said 2 of the animals were captured.

In an update this afternoon, the agency said all three animals are in quarantine under the care of the Veterinary Services Division and the Hope Zoo.

NEPA is reminding members of the public that it is against the law to import animals into the country without the necessary approvals and permits.

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