SAPS Mount Road (Mount Road Visible Policing) VISPOL in Gqeberha in Eastern Cape where members dealt a significant blow to the illegal abalone trade following the arrest of three suspects found in possession of a large quantity of dried abalone.

SAPS spokesperperson, Janse van Rensburg said SAPS Mount Road members were conducting patrols in the Deal Party area, including the parking area at New Brighton Beach.

The location had previously been identified as a hotspot for diesel theft from horse-and-trailer trucks.

During the patrol, members noticed a large liquor transport truck parked nearby and spotted a one-ton Tata light delivery vehicle where three suspects were busy loading 17 black plastic bags onto the truck.

“Members immediately conducted an inspection and discovered that all the bags were filled with dried abalone.

A total of 11 170 units of dried abalone, with an estimated street value of approximately R2.6 million, were confiscated,” she said.

She said: “The successful operation represents a significant setback for organised illegal abalone operations operating within the region.

The three suspects, aged between 25 and 38, were arrested and detained for contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act (Act 18 of 1998, Regulation 36(1)) regarding the illegal possession and transportation of abalone without a valid permit.

This arrest marks a major disruption to the illegal abalone trafficking industry on Tuesday.

SAPS urges communities to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal harvesting, transportation or trade of marine resources.

Police 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.

The accused will appear in court soon.

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