Cape Town - Brackenfell police officers seemingly delivered a huge blow to the lucrative abalone trade by arrest two suspects after finding 12 boxes full of abalone in their possession on Sunday, 19 September 2021.
Alert police officers were conducting patrols earlier during the day when they spotted suspects loading boxes from a double cab Ford Ranger onto a truck, according to SAPS spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi.
“The members called for backup and managed to stop the truck near to the corners of Viben and Petersen Roads and inspected the cargo.
“A total of 12 boxes containing dried abalone with a street value of nearly R2 000 000 were confiscated. Two males, aged 26 and 36, were arrested and detained,” Swartbooi said.
“Once charged, they are expected to make a court appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrate court on a charge of possession of abalone.”
Meanwhile, members of the Western Cape Flying Squad sent a stern warning to drug dealers with a bust on Friday where they arrested a suspect found in possession of drugs.
“On Friday, 17 September 2021, an integrated law enforcement team received information, and immediately operationalised the information and proceeded to an identified address in Kraaifontein.
“Upon arrival, they conducted a focused search as per the information at their disposal. A 9mm pistol and a huge consignment of drugs with an estimated street value of R64 000 were confiscated,” Swartbooi added.
A 33-year-old man was arrested and detained. Once charged, the suspect is expected to make a court appearance in the Kuils River Magistrate court on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and dealing in drugs.