Man arrested for abalone possession
A man is in police custody after he was arrested with R800 000 worth of abalone in his possesion.
A 30-year-old man was arrested on the N1 near Ultra City between Centurion and Midrand after police found abalone worth more than R800 000 in his possession, police said on Wednesday.
This comes after the suspect put petrol into his vehicle at a filling station in Bloemfontein and drove off without paying. “The Bloemfontein police alerted the Gauteng Flying Squad to look out for the vehicle. Police spotted the vehicle and stopped it,” said police spokesperson, Captain Disebo Selepe.
Two suspects fled and one was arrested. “The suspect is charged with possession of abalone which is a protected species. He is to appear in court soon,” said Selepe.
Abalone, a giant sea snail, is enjoyed as an aphrodisiac delicacy, particularly in Asia. The animal is known for its ability to clamp itself to rocks under its large, flat, ear-shaped shell. The inner layer of its shell is usually used as material for beads and other ornaments.
