Western Cape police recover more than 800 abalone
A joint operation involving police, municipal units and environmental officers led to the discovery of 121.1kg of abalone near the Garden Route.
More than 800 abalone weighing 121.1kg were confiscated and two men arrested near Little Brak Beach in a joint operation today (October 21), reports Mossel Bay Advertiser.
The joint operation involved Great Brak River Police, Sea Border Police, K9 Langeberg Unit, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Mossel Bay Municipality’s Law Enforcement and K9 Unit, and Eden District Security.
The two men, aged 26 and 42, were arrested at about 02:00 between the railway bridge near the beach and the N2 bridge.
Sea Border Police received information about two suspected poachers in the area, and were joined by members of the other units during the operation.
After a period of surveillance, the men were spotted walking near the bridges carrying five bags.
Police identified themselves and ordered the men to stop. A search of the men and their bags led to the discovery of 872 abalone.
The DFFE confiscated the abalone, and the men were taken into custody on charges of possession of abalone.
They are being held at Great Brak River Police Station and are expected to appear in court soon.
According to Mossel Bay Municipality, the abalone has an estimated street value of R161 000.
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Read original story on www.mosselbayadvertiser.com
