Western Cape: Our crime combating initiatives to tackle the lucrative illegal abalone trade in the Western Cape resulted in the arrest of two suspects in Table View for the illegal possession of abalone and for operating a fish processing plant without a valid permit.
In a joint venture, members of Provincial Detectives and DAFF conducted a search operation at a residential address in Madeira Crescent where 23357 units of dried abalone and 3915 units of wet abalone were confiscated, together with equipment used for the processing of marine resources. A 32-year-old man was arrested. The value of the abalone, estimated at a substantial amount, is yet to be determined. The suspect is due to make a court appearance in Cape Town on Monday to face the charges against him.
A second suspect was also arrested in another search operation by members of SAPS and DAFF at a residence in Wood Drive in Table View last night, following the one conducted in Madeira Crescent, a 25-year-old suspect was arrested for being in possession of 10919 units of dried abalone and 4340 units of wet abalone with a significant value. The suspect will be charged with the illegal possession of abalone and for operating a fish processing plant without a valid permit and is due to make a court appearance in Cape Town on Monday.