The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, has welcomed the successful intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the confiscation of abalone worth over R3 million in Cape Town.
COURTESY: SAPSWestern Cape police said two foreign nationals - Chinese
and Malawian national – were arrested on Friday in Amazon Street, Primrose
Park.
‘’The members searched the premises and found 6400 units of
abalone in a drying facility on the premises. The estimated street value of the
abalone is R3,520 000. Drying equipment and gas cylinders were also
confiscated,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg, Western Cape police spokesperson.
COURTESY: SAPSGeorge commended the collaborative efforts of the South
African Police Service’s Operation Lockdown III and the Endangered Species K9
Unit. According to the minister, the arrests underscore the effectiveness of
joint initiatives in disrupting poaching networks
“This operation demonstrates the unwavering performance of
our law enforcement partners in protecting South Africa’s marine resources from
illegal exploitation.’’
COURTESY: SAPSHe noted that such actions are vital to the broader
strategy to safeguard endangered species and ensure sustainable fisheries
management.
‘’This continued enforcement success reflects the
international commitments achieved under the Cape Town Declaration on Crimes
that Affect the Environment, adopted during South Africa’s G20 Presidency,
which recognises environmental crimes as organised crimes that demand
coordinated global action. These types of crimes also vindicate the decision
taken to uplist dried abalone under Appendix II of CITES, a step aimed at
strengthening global trade controls and reinforcing efforts to combat the
illegal abalone trade,’’ said George.
The Minister reiterated his support for intensified enforcement against wildlife crime, emphasising that “every successful seizure brings us closer to preserving our ocean heritage for future generations.”
The duo are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’
Court on Monday for the possession of abalone.
Done By: Mitchum George
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