In an attempt to ensure that the endangered marine life is protected, members from the Highway Patrol nabbed two men and seized abalone valued at R1.3 million near Cookhouse on Monday, August 1.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, on Monday at about 21:00, it is alleged that members from the Highway Patrol were conducting routine patrols on the N10, when they spotted a suspicious Audi A4 Station Wagon driving past them at high speed.
He said a second patrol vehicle was dispatched to serve as back-up and the members managed to pull off the said vehicle about 20 kilometres away.
“On searching the vehicle, police found 14 plastic bags full of abalone and a total of 7 615 units of abalone were seized,” said Nkohli.
He said the vehicle was impounded for further investigation.
“The two occupants were arrested and detained for contravening the Marine Living Resource Act 18 of 1998 Reg 36 – illegal possession of abalone,” said Nkohli.
“The value of the abalone is R1.3 million.”
He further said the two men aged 32 and 36 years old are expected to appear in court soon.
