An intelligence-driven operation has resulted in the arrest of four suspects for the possession of abalone worth R1.4 million in Cape Town.
The operation took place on Thursday, September 12, in Schaapkraal, Philippi.
The Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk said the operation was led by members of the SAPS’ Maitland Flying Squad.
“A crime intelligence-driven operation by Maitland Flying Squad in conjunction with members attached to Provincial Crime Intelligence, Stock Theft Unit, and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in the Philippi area led to the arrest of four suspects, aged between 19 and 33, for the illegal possession of abalone,” Van Wyk said.
He said wet and dry abalone was seized.
“A premises in Schaap Road, Schaapkraal, was searched and 3,281 units of dry abalone and 1,359 units of wet abalone with an estimated street value of R1.4 million were confiscated. Members also seized the equipment that was used to dry the abalone, on the premises. Three vehicles were also handed in as part of the operation,” Van Wyk said.
The suspects are being detained at the Philippi police station and are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court once charged.
In a separate incident on the same day, police received information about a person with a firearm in the Browns Farm area.
“The information was immediately followed up and members got the identified person in Nabeleni Street, Browns Farm, with an unlicensed pistol and 28, 9mm rounds of ammunition in his possession.
“A 52-year-old suspect was arrested and detained at Athlone SAPS, for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is due to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s court, once he is charged,” Van Wyk said.
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