Two suspects were arrested at an illegal abalone drying facility in Eastleigh, Ekurhuleni, after authorities acted on intelligence.

According to an article published by Bedfordview Edenvale News, the arrests took place yesterday afternoon when law enforcement officers found the men in possession of abalone.

Edenvale SAPS’ acting Visible Policing and Operations commander and communications officer, Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile, says Western Cape Crime Intelligence acted on information that led them to a property in Eastleigh Ridge.

“At the scene, officers found two men packing abalone into plastic bags,” says Mashile.

According to Edenvale CPF, the suspects attempted to flee by jumping into a neighbouring property.

A resident, noticing the commotion, activated their panic button, prompting a swift response from Mamba Security.

With assistance from Edenvale SAPS and Mamba Security, members of the Western Cape Crime Intelligence team detained the suspects.

Mashile confirmed that the suspects were arrested for violating the Marine Living Resources Act, 19 of 1998, Regulation 36, Subsection 1, as well as for the illegal possession of abalone, estimated to be worth at least R3m.

Following their arrest, the suspects were taken to Edenvale Police Station.

Authorities involved were undercover Criminal Intelligence Unit members from Cape Town, Mamba Security, Edenvale CPF, Gauteng Flying Squad, Gauteng Organised Crime, Hawks and Edenvale SAPS.