Abalone worth R9million confiscated near Paarl

A 26-year-old man was arrested by the Hawks on Thursday for being in possession of approximately R9 million’s worth abalone without a permit.

Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Zinzi Hani said they received a tipoff about the suspect transporting the abalone on the R45 Simondium Road, near Paarl.

‘’The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team together with Crime Intelligence, K9 Unit Boland and officials from the Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environmental responded to information about a truck transporting illegal abalone on the N1 highway. The truck was kept under surveillance and was later stopped and searched.’’

The team seized 30,520 units of dried abalone with an approximate valued of R 9 Million. The abalone was found hidden in false compartments.  One suspect, aged 26 was arrested. The truck and abalone were seized for further investigation,’’ added Hani.

The suspect is expected to appear in Paarl Magistrate's Court on Monday, to face charges of possession and transporting of abalone.

 

Done By: Mitchum George