A large shipment of abalone destined for export were seized in Table Bay Harbour.
Emanating from the arrest of four suspects for the illegal possession of abalone at two warehouses last week, our detectives conducted an operation this morning at a cold storage in Paarden Island where they came across a huge shipment of dried and frozen abalone with an estimated value of R 8 million.
Further investigation was conducted which led investigators to Table Bay Harbour where they discovered a 40 foot container filled with dried and frozen abalone, packed in boxes and destined for export.
With the assistance of The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) the container and contents were seized. The value of the shipment is estimated at R 30 million.
Although no arrests in connection with the seizure have been made as yet, we deem our operation a major blow to the illegal abalone trade and a step closer in breaking the back of a syndicate who is responsible for the export of our marine resources.
Our investigation into the circumstances are far from over.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
