A joint operation executed by members of Gqeberha Public Order Policing and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries resulted in the confiscation of abalone worth R1 million during the early hours of yesterday, 21 March.
According to Col Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, it is alleged that the team received and acted on information of divers busy extracting abalone in the Seaview area.
“At about 04:00 the information was operationalised and the area and surrounding bushes were patrolled and searched. While searching the dense bushes, the team succeeded in confiscating 35 bags containing 3 413 shucked units of abalone and 47 units of shelled abalone with an estimated street value of R1 008 000,” Naidu said.
Three bags with diving equipment, valued at around R7 000, were also found in the bushes.
“An enquiry docket has been opened for further investigation.”
ISSUED BY SAPS
