During a multi-disciplinary operation conducted on Thursday, Nelson Mandela Bay police ventured into the deep sea and confiscated both squid and dagga from a local trawler.
At approximately noon, SAPS Border Policing, Kariega K9-Unit and the Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) were conducting inspections on fishing vessels in the sea near Van Stadens. As they embarked on a local trawler, they established that the vessel was carrying more people on board than it was supposed to. The vessel is allowed to carry 20 people, however, it was discovered that 26 people were on board.
Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said that the trawler was escorted back to the Gqeberha Harbour and police issued the skipper with a fine on Friday for non-compliance of the permit in terms of the Marine Resources Act.
“Due to the non-compliance, a total of 4,633 tons of squid on board were confiscated by the DEFF. The estimated value of the squid is R400 000. Also, 479 packets of dagga were found on board. The dagga was seized with no arrests,” Naidu said.
“Operation Sikhona does not restrict policing to specific areas only but expands its duties beyond the shorelines as well. Criminality knows no boundaries and police will be monitoring the coastline to ensure that those using the sea as a mode of transport or fishing within the Nelson Mandela Bay and Humansdorp areas, is free from criminal or unlawful activities,” she added.
