EASTERN CAPE — A significant Gqeberha illegal abalone recovery operation has resulted in the confiscation of over 1,000 units of poached marine resources, dealing a substantial blow to the illicit wildlife trade in the region.
Acting on intelligence regarding a hidden stash of illegally poached abalone, the South African Police Service (SAPS) AntiGang Unit (AGU) Combat Team launched an operation on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. At approximately 12:30, officers moved to search an area near Gate 1 at Noordhoek along Marine Drive.
Upon arriving at the specified location, the search team was assisted by a diver from a private security company. The team successfully located and retrieved six waist bags that had been carefully concealed between rocks in the shallow water. Following the physical recovery of the bags, SAPS contacted Sea Fisheries officials, who attended the scene to officially process the seizure.
Authorities counted and confiscated a total of 1,048 units of abalone. The haul comprised 965 deshelled abalone and 83 shelled abalone, carrying an estimated street value of R130,000.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that no arrests have been made at this stage, and police investigations into the poaching syndicate remain ongoing.
Acting District Commissioner for Nelson Mandela Bay, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the officers for their rapid and collaborative response to the intelligence. Highlighting the broader impact of the operation, Brigadier Ngalo emphasized the ongoing commitment of local law enforcement to environmental protection.
“Every successful recovery disrupts the illegal wildlife trafficking network and prevents our marine resources from being exploited for criminal gain,” Brigadier Ngalo stated. “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect South Africa’s natural resources and bring those responsible for environmental crimes to justice.”
