Police confiscate abalone valued over R2 million on N1 highway

SAPS officers apprehended two abalone dealers on the N1 national road near Worcester in separate incidents before the high-value shellfish could reach its intended destination.

Possession of abalone without permit

On the first incident, members attached to K9 Breederiver, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Kuilsrivier STESU in conjunction with Provincial Traffic and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs members arrested a 39-year-old male for possession of abalone without permit during an integrated operation on Tuesday, 10 September.

The members followed up on intelligence received of a truck transporting abalone from Cape Town on the N1 national road.

They quickly set up a Vehicle Check Point (VCP) on the N1 Road near Meirings Park, Worcester.

The identified truck was spotted and pulled over by traffic, followed by a search of the truck and its cargo. 

Abalone was found inside the cabin of the truck by K9 Layla, a protected species detection dog.

Further searches were conducted by Layla resulted in more bags being discovered in a compartment attached to the outside of the truck. 

A total amount of 4 582 dried abalone with an estimated street value of R2 million was confiscated by the members. 

Pulled over the truck

On the same day, information was received of another truck, also transporting abalone from Cape Town.

Worcester Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) responded to the information and pulled over the truck on the N1.

The members conducted a search and discovered 960 dried abalone to the estimated value of R468 105 inside the cabin of the truck.

They subsequently arrested a 41-year-old man for possession of abalone.

Both suspects are due to appear in the Worcester Magistrates’ court on Thursday, 12 September on the mentioned charges.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, applauded the members involved for their vigilance, outstanding commitment, and dedication that led to the arrests and confiscation of the abalone.

Credit to all those concerned in the recovery of the abalone.