Police seize R7 million worth of abalone, arrest two

Western Cape police have arrested two suspects and seized abalone valued at approximately R7 million during an operation in Wellington.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg says officers received information that a truck loaded with abalone was destined for Gauteng.

He says police and officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Investigation unit then conducted an intelligence-driven operation.

“The members operationalized the information and found the identified truck in the Wellington industrial area. The truck was searched, and abalone weighing 567.40 kilograms concealed in black bags were found in the truck.”

Further investigation led police to a Volkswagen Caddy where an additional 463.89 kilograms of abalone were discovered.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

#sapsWC Two suspects, aged 34 and 38, to appear in court for the possession of #abalone worth R7 MIL. This follows an intell driven op conducted by #SAPS members attached to Kuilsrivier Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in conjunction with Department of Forestry, Fisheries… pic.twitter.com/BUTWFwFus9

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 14, 2024