{"id":294321,"date":"2025-11-09T10:48:39","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T08:48:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/?p=294321"},"modified":"2025-11-09T10:54:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T08:54:28","slug":"r3-5-million-abalone-bust-leads-to-arrests-in-cape-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/r3-5-million-abalone-bust-leads-to-arrests-in-cape-town\/","title":{"rendered":"Two foreign nationals charged in R3.5 million abalone bust"},"content":{"rendered":"\n


Police have arrested two foreign nationals and confiscated abalone worth more than R3.5 million during a major bust at an illegal drying facility in Primrose Park, Athlone on Friday 7 November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The intelligence-driven operation, conducted by members of Operation Lockdown III working alongside the Endangered Species K9 Unit, led to the discovery of 6 400 units of abalone at a premises in Amazon Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Abalone
Police have arrested two foreign nationals and confiscated abalone worth more than R3.5 million during a major bust at an illegal drying facility in Primrose Park on Friday 7 November.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Equipment
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to police, the seized abalone has an estimated street value of R3 520 000. Officers also confiscated drying equipment and gas cylinders from the facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two adult men – a Chinese national and a Malawian national – were arrested on charges related to the illegal possession of abalone, a protected marine species under South African law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Monday 10 November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Equipment
Equipment used in the processing of abalone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Concern
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Abalone poaching has become a major conservation concern, with the valuable shellfish highly sought after in international markets, particularly in Asia where it is considered a delicacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The illegal abalone trade has a devastating impact on South Africa’s marine ecosystems and is often linked to organised crime syndicates operating along the Western Cape coast.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The intelligence-driven operation, conducted by members of Operation Lockdown III working alongside the Endangered Species K9 Unit, led to the discovery of 6 400 units of abalone at a premises in Amazon Street, Primrose 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