Two suspects arrested with abalone worth more than R5 million

WESTERN CAPE – Partnership policing in the Paarl area contributed to stopping two suspects in their tracks on 23 June 2020 at about 12:53, when members attached to the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, K9 Boland, and DAFF acted on information about abalone being transported in a truck on the N1.

The members followed up the information and did a search and seizure operation on the N1 at Hugenote Tunnel. The vehicle a Tata truck was stopped and search and upon opening the back of the truck bags of onions and potatoes were found. Members also found dried abalone which was concealed in boxes under the potatoes. The dried 14 855 abalone units are estimated at around R5 696 146.

Two suspects aged 33 and 44 were arrested and are appearing in the Paarl Magistrates Court today on charges relating to the Living Marine Resources Act.

We will continue with our stern stance against the lucrative marine resources trade and will pursue every avenue in this regard.