Two men nabbed hiding R5,7m abalone in their truck in Western Cape

Police in the Western Cape have arrested two men after they found them transporting abalone hidden under bags of onions in their truck on the N1.

Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said the arrests occurred 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 in the Paarl area.

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.

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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.

The truck driver and his assistant aged 33 and 44 were arrested and were expected to appear in the Paarl Magistrates Court 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.” concluded Capt Van Wyk.