Abalone estimated to be worth approximately R365 566 has been seized after police intercepted a vehicle transporting more than 200kg of the marine resource, reports The Witness.

A 21-year-old man was arrested in Gqeberha during a joint operation involving the Gqeberha K9 Unit and Flying Squad in Algoa Park yesterday (November 3).

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said officers were conducting patrols in Kamdebo Street shortly before midnight when they spotted a blue Volkswagen Polo travelling at high speed.

“Members pursued the vehicle, which turned into the parking area of The Aloes Flats in Kamdebo Street,” said Janse Van Rensburg

When officers stopped and searched the vehicle, they discovered several bags containing abalone on the back seat.

“The sole occupant, a 21-year-old male was arrested and charged with the illegal possession and transportation of abalone. All relevant role players attended the scene,” she said.

Police confiscated the blue Volkswagen Polo 1.6 hatchback and seized 1 935 units of abalone weighing 207.01kg.

Two chucking tools and a scale were also recovered.

Janse Van Rensberg stated that earlier on Tuesday, the Gqeberha Flying Squad and K9 Unit conducted crime prevention operations and stop-and-search activities in Missionvale and Algoa Park.

During these operations, police recovered several abandoned dangerous weapons, including two replica 9mm pistols, three Okapi knives, two flip knives and a kitchen knife.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court during the week on charges relating to the contravention of the Living Marine Resources Act 18 of 1998.

Police said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal trade in marine resources and remove dangerous weapons from communities.

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