Police in the Western Cape have been lauded after over R2 million worth of abalone was seized in separate incidents along the N1 national road near Worcester in two separate incidents on Tuesday.
Two suspects were arrested.
The provincial police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk said in the first incident, an operation resulted in the seizure and arrest of a suspect.
“Members attached to K9 Breederiver, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Kuilsrivier STESU 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 permit during an integrated operation on Tuesday, September 10.
“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 by Traffic, followed by a search of the truck and its cargo,” van Wyk said.
The abalone was found inside the cabin of the truck by K9 officer Layla, a protected species detection dog.
“Further searches were conducted by K9 Layla and this resulted in more bags being discovered in a compartment attached to the outside of the truck. A total amount of 4,582 dried abalone with an estimated street value of R2 million was confiscated by the members,” van Wyk said.
On the same day, officers received information of another truck also transporting abalone from Cape Town.
The Worcester Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) responded to the information and the vehicle was pulled over along the N1.
“The members conducted a search and discovered 960 dried abalone to the estimated value of R468,105 inside the cabin of the truck. They subsequently arrested a 41-year-old man for possession of abalone,” van Wyk said.
Both suspects are expected to appear in the Worcester Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, September 12.
Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile applauded the members involved for their vigilance, outstanding commitment, and dedication that led to the arrests and confiscation of the abalone.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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