The illegal trade in marine resources was dealt a blow this morning, 25 August 2021, when members attached to Overberg Rural Flying Squad confiscated abalone worth an estimated street value of R1.2 million on the N2 near Caledon.

Members received information from a reliable source about abalone being transported on the N2 to Cape Town. The gathered intelligence was immediately operationalized and the mentioned vehicle was spotted on the N2 near Caledon. The vehicle was subsequently stopped and searched and found to be containing bags of abalone. The driver could not produce a valid licence to transport the abalone and was immediately arrested.

The 29-year-driver resisted arrest but was brought under control and arrested on charges of illegal possession of abalone and resisting arrest.

The abalone comprising 2929 unschucked units, including the vehicle which was used to transport the abalone was confiscated.

The suspect will appear in the Caledon Magistrates Court on Thursday, 26 August 2021 on the mentioned charges.

Source: South African Police Service