Four suspects were arrested in separate operations across Cape Town over the weekend for illegal possession of West Coast Rock Lobster tails.

In one of the incidents, officers from the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Marine and Environmental Unit were conducting patrols in the Parow industrial area on Sunday, 12 April when they spotted a suspicious vehicle, said spokesperson Wayne Dyason.

“The officers approached the driver, who appeared very uncomfortable. They asked the driver to open the back of the bakkie and found a bucket filled with West Coast Rock Lobster tails,” Dyason said.

The 41-year-old driver and his 39-year-old passenger, both from Ravensmead, were arrested and charged at the Ravensmead Police Station for possession of 1 000 West Coast Rock Lobster tails without a permit and for not keeping it in a whole state as per the Marine Living Resources Act.

The vehicle was also impounded along with a firearm and 16 rounds of ammunition, Dyason said.

Additional arrests

In a separate operation on Saturday 11 April, officers conducted surveillance at a house in Bishop Lavis suspected of selling fish.

At about 14:30, they approached the property to verify whether fish was being sold and whether invoices were available. During the inspection, officers found two bags of West Coast Rock Lobster tails, for which no receipt could be produced.

The 33-year-old suspect from Bonteheuwel was arrested and charged for possession of 91 West Coast Rock Lobster tails without a permit and for not keeping them in a whole state, in contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act. He was taken to Bishop Lavis Police Station.

In another incident on Sunday 12 April, officers conducted surveillance at a house in Hanover Park where lobster tails were allegedly being sold illegally, with support from the South African National Defence Force.

After observing activity, officers entered the premises, where a male suspect claimed only fish was being sold. A search of the fridges uncovered bags of West Coast Rock Lobster tails.

The 48-year-old suspect from Hanover Park was arrested and charged for possession of 3 747 West Coast Rock Lobster tails and 10 whole rock lobsters without a permit, in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act. He was taken to Philippi Police Station.

READ ALSO: Hawks uncover illegal abalone drying facility in Thornton, Cape Town