Cops seize huge haul of abalone

POLICE had a number of successes, including the confiscation of abalone worth R2.4 million seized in Milnerton, over the weekend.

They confirmed that two men linked to the abalone case would be appearing at the Cape Town Magistrates Court today on charges under the Living Marine Resources Act.

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said two men, aged 31 and 34, were arrested after a raid at the warehouse in Milnerton.

Rwexana said the arrest followed a crime intelligence investigation, a joint operation by members from the Anti-Gang Unit, the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries and provincial detectives that was conducted at a warehouse.

“The members arrived at the premises in Freedom Way where a Chevrolet Optra, with two Chinese occupants, had just stopped. On searching the vehicle they found two 50kg blocks of salt which confirmed their suspicion.

“On entering the warehouse they uncovered an illegal abalone processing facility. Numerous plastic containers filled with shucked abalone, steel cooking pots, gas cylinders and burners, a scale, chest freezer and various other items of equipment were seized,” she said.

Rwexana said three rooms on the upper level were used as drying rooms where dry abalone was stored.

“A total of 4 932 units of shucked abalone and 638 units of dried abalone worth an estimated street value of R2.4m were seized,” she said.

Klawer police seized drugs worth R5.5m when provincial traffic officers stopped a vehicle with fraudulent documentation.

“Police from Klawer station checked the details of the suspect and saw that he was an active criminal in several serious offences. They decided to conduct a search of the vehicle. Members from K9 Unit assisted in the search and 111 000 Mandrax tablets were found hidden underneath the vehicle. The estimated street value of the drugs is R5.5m,” said Rwexana.

A 33-year-old man is due to appear in court today on charges of fraud and dealing in drugs .

Provincial police commissioner Khombinkosi Jula praised the members for preventing drugs from getting to the streets.

Meanwhile, police are searching for a man, Moegamath Petersen, who goes by the alias “Faces”.

Petersen is wanted in connection with a murder that occurred in the Grassy Park area. The is very dangerous and should not be approached. Contact Detective Sergeant Clifton Slinger on 021 700 3950/074 389 6578 with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest. |