Police in the Western Cape have arrested a 43-year-old man for illegal possession of abalone valued at R1.94-million.
The suspect was also found in possession of drying equipment and gas canisters used to process the abalone before shipping it out of the country. He faces a charge of illegal possession of abalone and is due in court soon.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie said: “The depletion of our endangered living marine resources poses a serious threat to your livelihood and the economy of our country.
“It also contributes towards the commissioning of other serious crimes where syndicates are involved, such as abalone and drug smuggling.
“Hence enhanced vigilance through increased high-density patrols and gathering of vital information to curb these crimes.”
Pojie said members of public order policing followed up on information about illegal activity at a residence in the Constantia area.
“The members operationalized the information and pounced on the residence leading to the discovery and seizure of 985 units of dried abalone with an estimated street value of R1.94 million, as well as drying equipment and gas canisters used to process the abalone before being shipped out of the country.”
Western Cape police management lauded the officers who effected the arrest for their vigilance and commitment.
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