Once again, illegal abalone dealers were dealt yet another blow when off duty SAPS Cookhouse Highway Patrol members nabbed two males and confiscated abalone worth over R3 million.
It is alleged that on Monday, 12 June 2023 at about 23:00, members received and followed up on information about suspicious vehicles travelling on N10 from Gqeberha towards Cookhouse.
A high-speed chase ensued between a Nissan Navara bakkie and police on the N10 towards Cradock from Cookhouse.
The members succeeded in blocking off the vehicle between Cradock and Cookhouse.
On searching the vehicle, 17 bags containing 6699 units of abalone was found hidden under a blanket. Two males aged 30 and 40 years old were arrested and detained in terms of the Marine Living Resource Act – possession and transportation of abalone.
The estimated street value of the abalone is R3,100 000.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Maj Gen Zolani Xawuka applauded the dedication and commitment of the members. ‘It seems that criminals are not heeding to our warnings. They must know that we will not hesitate to arrest them if they are found using our roads to transport illegal goods. Last month, two suspects were also arrested with illegal abalone worth R3 million. We will continue to tighten our grip on these criminals,’ added Maj Gen Xawuka.
The post Abalone worth R3,1 million recovered, 2 arrested, Cookhouse appeared first on South Africa Today.