On Thursday 16 February 2017 members of Border Police, the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Dog Unit attached to Customs conducted inspections on perishable consignments at SAA Cargo as part of operation “Thunder Bird”.
Two consignments were stopped because their original Export Permits were not on the premises of SAA cargo. The contents of the two consignments were live lobsters destined for Hong Kong via Johannesburg.
The two consignments were seized by members of DAFF and the live lobsters were booked in as exhibits. The lobsters are being kept at the SAA cool rooms because they are live crustaceans. The permit holder was notified of the seizure of their products at SAA cargo.
An enquiry docket was opened for further investigation into who will be held responsible for the permit violation.
The charge reads as follows: Living Marine Resources Act 18 of 1998 Section 5.2 – No Export Permit 27 (1) (f). The two consignments contained approximately 270 lobsters weighing 819kg.
This seizure sent out a clear message to companies who export our living marine resources to abide by the law.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
