Joint operation between SAPS Public Order Policing (POP) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs led to the confiscation and seizure of a substantial amount of abalone and diving equipment during the early hours of 23 November 2022 in Bluewater Bay.
It is alleged that on Tuesday evening, 22 November 2022 at about 22:00, POP members received and acted on information of suspicious activity in the sea in Bluewater Bay.
The information was operationalised and way-lay duties were held near the suspected site.
At approximately 04:15, on 23 November 2022, six males emerged from the water and were seen loading suspected abalone into a Nissan bakkie.
The vehicle was followed to a house in Poseidon Road in Bluewater Bay. Upon noticing the police vehicle, the males abandoned the vehicle and fled.
A total of 2163 units of abalone was found in the vehicle. The estimated value is R280 000-00.
A search warrant was obtained and the house was searched. Diving equipment with an estimated value of over R300 000-00 was seized. There was no one in the house.
The Nissan bakkie was also impounded for further investigation.
An enquiry is opened for investigation.
