R4.5 million worth of abalone was seized in a joint operation between South African police’s crime intelligence division, Benoni K9, West Rand K9 and Stock Theft Units.
According to Captain Granville Meyer, spokesperson for Sandton Police Station, the massive raid in Sandton took place following a tip-off about illegal activity at two residences.
“The police members entered the dwellings believed to be used as abalone processing facilities. Abalone which weighed one ton was confiscated. It had an estimated street value of R4.5 million,” said Meyer.
Meyer said equipment including electric fans, scales and huge pots used to dry the abalone was confiscated.
“Two [suspects] aged 37 and 39 were arrested. They [possibly] bring in small amounts or all at one time. The abalone comes somewhere from the coast in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town or the Eastern Cape.”
Meyer said it is easier to smuggle the abalone out of the country from the inland. “From Johannesburg, it goes over the border via Mozambique or Zimbabwe then shipped off to its destination by ship or an airplane.
“The suspects are currently in detention and will appear in the Alexandra Regional Court soon.”
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