Suspected abalone poachers caught with R2.6-m of abalone (click on link above to see photos)
Edited by Kouga Chronicle: Three suspected abalone poachers were arrested today, 17 February in Gqeberha/PE after being caught in possession of 1170 units of dried abalone, valued at about R2.6-million.
The arrest of the trio by the Mount Road Vispol members is according to the SAP a major disruption of illegal abalone poaching that poses a threat to to marine resources, biodiversity, and the country’s economy.
The arrest came after a patrol of the area by the SAPS in the Deal Party and New Brighton Beach areas, which were previously identified as problematic due to incidents of diesel theft from horse and trailer trucks. The members noticed a large liquor transport truck parked nearby. Upon further investigation they identified a one-ton Tata LDV vehicle where three suspects busy loading 17 black plastic bags onto the truck. Members immediately inspected the black bags and found they were all filled with dried abalone which they confiscated.
The SAPS says the successful operation represents a significant setback for organised illegal abalone operations in the region.
The three suspects, aged 25-38, years were arrested and detained for contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act, Act 18 of 1998, Regulation 36(1), for the illegal possession and transportation of abalone without a valid permit. The suspects are expected to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court soon.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, commended the members for their vigilance and commitment. “This successful arrest demonstrates SAPS’ ongoing commitment to protecting our natural resources and dismantling criminal operations that exploit them. We commend our members for their proactive policing and dedication in safeguarding our communities and environment,” Maj Gen Ncata said.
SAPS urges communities to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal harvesting, transportation, or trade of marine resources. Police say they will continue to intensify operations targeting environmental crimes and organised criminal networks to protect South Africa’s natural heritage and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
St Francis Chronicle 