Abalone worth R4m confiscated in raids, 10 arrested

TEN SUSPECTS, aged between 25 and 56, are expected to appear in the Bellville and Cape Town Magistrate’s Courts after they were found with just over 22 000 units of dried abalone, valued at almost R4 million, Western Cape police said.

Hawks spokesperson, Captain Lloyd Ramovha, said the arrests were made when several raids were carried out at suspected abalone drying facilities on Monday.

“The raids were simultaneously carried out at six private dwellings around Durbanville, Plattekloof, West Beach, Atlantic Beach, Table View and Parklands. The said premises are reportedly linked to the ring leader, who is among the arrested in this investigative project termed ‘Rambo’,” he said.

Ramovha said the properties had been under surveillance for some time. “The resultant search led to the arrests and confiscation of 22 010 units of dried abalone and equipment, as well as two vehicles and an undisclosed amount of cash.”

Western Cape Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, Brigadier Mzwandile Ndlovu, praised the investigation team for their efforts.

“The onslaught on syndicates that continue to perpetrate abalone smuggling is on,” he said.

The suspects will appear in court today and will be charged with contravening the Marine Living Resources Act. – ANA