Police in Cookhouse have tightened their grip on illegal abalone dealers when off-duty SAPS Cookhouse Highway Patrol members nabbed two men and confiscated abalone worth over R3 million on June 13.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, it is alleged that on June 13 at about 23:00 members received and followed up on information about suspicious vehicles travelling on the N10 from Gqeberha towards Cookhouse.
She said a high-speed chase ensued between a Nissan Navara bakkie and police on the N10 towards Cradock from Cookhouse.
Naidu said the members succeeded in blocking off the vehicle between Cradock and Cookhouse.
“On searching the vehicle, 17 bags containing 6 699 units of abalone were found hidden under a blanket,” said Naidu.
“Two men, aged 30 and 40, were arrested and detained in terms of the Marine Living Resource Act – possession and transportation of abalone.”
Naidu said the estimated street value of the abalone is R3 100 000.
She said the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Maj Gen Zolani Xawuka applauded the dedication and commitment of the members.
“It seems that criminals are not heeding to our warnings. They must know that we will not hesitate to arrest them if they are found using our roads to transport illegal goods,” said Xawuka.
“Last month, two suspects were also arrested with illegal abalone worth R3 million. We will continue to tighten our grip on these criminals.”
