Johannesburg – Poached abalone worth an estimated R1.5 million was confiscated in Lwandle, Strand on Friday, Western Cape police said.
Spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said that at around 6.40am police officers and officials from the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries were conducting anti-poaching patrols when they saw a suspicious-looking vehicle with tinted windows at the intersection of Broadlands Road and the N2, in Gordon’s Bay.
“ They immediately pursued the Ford Ranger light delivery vehicle along the N2 and later pulled it from the road opposite Asla Park, Strand. After stopping, the driver fled on foot, but was apprehended shortly thereafter. Upon searching the vehicle, numerous bags of abalone were found inside and in the back of the Ford Ranger,” Van Wyk said.
He said a 30-year-old man from Zwelihle, Hermanus, was arrested. The shucked abalone was counted at the Lwandle police station.
“It amounted to 9417 units of abalone. It is still to be weighed to determine the exact value, but is estimated at R1.5 million.”
Van Wyk said the man is expected to appear in Strand Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges relating to the illegal possession and transportation of abalone.
African News Agency