Authorities arrested two suspects for possession of abalone in two separate incidents in Somerset West on Sunday (26 November).
According to a police report, members of the Flying Squad responded to a tip-off about a vehicle transporting illegal abalone on the N2 around 12:00 on Sunday.
The vehicle, a silver Volkswagen Polo Vivo, was spotted in Broadway Road near the highway in Somerset West.
The vehicle was flagged down and searched.
According to Sergeant Suzan Jantjies, spokesperson for the Somerset West police, a total of 1 280 units of abalone found inside the vehicle was confiscated and handed over to the Department of Forestry, Fishery and the Environment. Jantjies said the suspect was arrested and transported to Somerset West police.
Later on Sunday, at approximately 19:00, members from the Flying Squad swooped on another vehicle transporting illegal abalone from Grabouw. “A silver Ford Ranger was spotted close to Somerset West,” divulged Jantjies. “The vehicle was pulled over and searched. Police confiscated 5 706 units approximately worth R2,9 million found inside the vehicle.”
The suspects were expected to appear in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on a charge of possession of abalone without a permit.
