On Tuesday 16 July 2019, at about 13:45 members from Western Cape Flying Squad conducted an intelligence driven operation at a warehouse in Montague Drive, Milnerton, where they uncovered an illegal abalone processing facility.
The members followed up information about abalone being stored at the premises and followed it up. They found a Mercedes Sprinter bus and a Chevrolet LDV loaded with boxes of dried abalone. They also searched a second premises, also in the same area and found abalone in machines to be dried as well as fresh abalone.
Members seized 19 032 dry abalone, 5 064 wet abalone, R 179 680 in cash and two vehicles (Mercedes Sprinter and Chevrolet LDV). Four small clear stones, one large clear stone, and one gold coloured stone were also seized and we are in the process to determine what the stones are made of.
The exact value of the abalone, equipment and vehicles confiscated during the operation is yet to be determined, however it is estimated at several million rand and deemed a significant blow to the illegal abalone trade in this province.
Four suspects aged 45, 50, 54 and 56 respectively were arrested on charges under the Living Marine Resources Act and are due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court once charge.
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