Suspected trafficker arrested in Worcester with R1.8 million worth of abalone

A suspected abalone trafficker was nabbed in Worcester for being in possession of abalone worth R1.8million.

Police spokesperson Frederick C. van Wyk said the protection of living marine resources remains key to policing priorities in the province.

On Thursday at about 5pm, members attached to K9 Worcester in collaboration with Provincial Traffic conducted a roadblock on the N1 near Worcester when they received information of a truck transporting abalone. 

“The members pulled over the truck as described and ensued with a search during which they found several bags with a strong smell. 

“They opened the bags and found that the bags contained abalone. A total of 2271 units abalone with an estimated street value of R1.8 million were recovered,” Van Wyk said. 

The 46-year-old suspect was arrested for the illegal possession of abalone which was handed in as exhibits.

He is scheduled to appear in the Worcester Magistrates’ court on Monday. 

Late last month, a routine marine patrol led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment enforcement unit intercepted a group of suspected abalone poachers en route to Hout Bay.

When approached, the suspects abandoned their vessel in rocky waters and fled the scene.

The DFFE team seized and towed the abandoned vessel to Cape Town Harbour. A criminal case was opened with Hout Bay SAPS, and seizure proceedings were underway.

The vessel, a Gemini 5.5m rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) fitted with a Yamaha 200HP outboard motor and Garmin Fishfinder, contained items consistent with abalone poaching, the department said. These included approximately 15 abalone extraction tools, three dive cylinders, and three abalone bags.

Minister Dion George commended the successful interception. 

“This operation underscores our Department’s commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s marine biodiversity. Poaching threatens the sustainability of our resources and the livelihoods that depend on them. When you steal abalone, you are stealing from everyone. By acting swiftly and decisively, we send a clear message: environmental crime will not be tolerated in our waters.”

“I want to thank our fisheries control officers and environmental management inspectors for their vigilance and tireless efforts to protect our oceans. Their work on the frontline is vital to upholding the rule of law and stopping the scourge of abalone poaching,” George said.

Cape Times