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On Friday, July 14 , an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Anti-Gang Unit) in Gqeberha together with SAPS Cookhouse Highway patrol and Gqeberha K9 unit, arrested two suspects, aged 25 and 57 years old and confiscated abalone with a street value of about R3 million.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, at about 08:10, the team allegedly stopped a flatbed tow truck carrying a black VW Touareg in Cookhouse.
"On searching the Touareg, it was discovered that the vehicle was loaded with 3275 units of wet abalone,the driver of the truck and his passenger were arrested, and both vehicles were confiscated for further investigation.
"The suspects are expected to appear in Somerset East magistrate court on Monday, July 17, on charges of illegal possession of abalone," said Naidu.
Naidu further added , "on Saturday, July 15, at about 03:23, Anti-Gang Unit members arrested a 39-year-old man in possession of 1161 units of abalone.
"Members were patrolling in Grahamstown Road in Deal Party when they noticed a vehicle, a Nissan Hardbody, dripping with water. The vehicle was stopped, and the abalone was discovered.
"The suspect is detained on a charge of illegal possession of abalone and will appear in the Gqeberha magistrate court on Monday, July 17.
"These arrests serve as a deterrent and warning to poachers involved in the illegal harvesting, transportation and trading of abalone and emphasise the consequences that individuals engaged in such activities may face," she said.
