Two suspects arrested in possession of abalone worth more than R2 million are expected to appear in the Worcester Magistrates’ Court today.
In a statement on Wednesday, Western Cape police arrested two suspects who were caught with the abalone on the N1 near Worcester.
The two were arrested in separate incidents before the highly valued shellfish could reach its intended destination.
“In the first incident, members attached to K9 Breederiver, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Kuilsrivier STESU [Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit] in conjunction with Provincial Traffic and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs members, arrested a 39-year-old male for possession of abalone without [a] permit during an integrated operation on Tuesday, 10 September 2024,” said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The members followed up on intelligence received of a truck transporting abalone from Cape Town on the N1 national road. They quickly set up a vehicle check point (VCP) on the N1 Road near Meirings Park, Worcester.
The identified truck was spotted and pulled over, followed by a search of the truck and its cargo.
“Abalone was found inside the cabin of the truck by K9 Layla, a protected species detection dog. Further searches conducted by Layla resulted in more bags being discovered in a compartment attached to the outside of the truck. A total amount of 4582 dried abalone with an estimated street value of R2 million was confiscated by the members,” said the police.
On the same day, information was received of another truck, also transporting abalone from Cape Town. The Worcester Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) responded to the information and pulled over the truck on the N1.
“The members conducted a search and discovered 960 dried abalone to the estimated value of R468 105,00 inside the cabin of the truck. They subsequently arrested a 41-year-old man for possession of abalone.”
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, applauded the members involved in the operations for their vigilance, outstanding commitment, and dedication that led to the arrests and confiscation of the abalone. -SAnews.gov.za
