The collaborative operation by various police units in Limpopo resulted in the arrest of one suspect for being in possession of abalone with an estimated value of R9 Million on the morning of 9 March 2022, at about 10:00 in Polokwane.
The SAPS Crime Intelligence team, “The Hawks” Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, the Local Criminal Record Centre as well as Operational Response Services operationalised information about illicit activities when they embarked on an operation around the City of Polokwane.
One suspect was arrested after the truck he was driving in was stopped on the N1 north in the Westenburg policing area, just outside the City. The team searched the truck and discovered 76 boxes packed with abalone. Police also confiscated the truck to the value of half a million rand.
The exhibits were handed over to inspectors attached to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for safe keeping and disposal thereof.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers has commended the members involved in the arrest
“These type of operations will continue as part of concerted efforts by the police in Limpopo to bring smuggling of valuable protected species to a stop”, concluded Major General Jan Scheepers.
The 35-year-old suspect is expected to appear in Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon.
Police investigations are still continuing.
