Big abalone bust in Plett

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Thanks to cooperation between crime fighting units around Plettenberg Bay, abalone worth more than R700 000 was confiscated and three suspected ere arrested during an operation on 5 January.

Southern Cape police spokesman, Sergeant Christopher Spies, said at about 21:00 on 5 January, local police sea border unit members, the rural flying squad, South African National Parks (SANParks), Bitou law enforcement officials and local security officers acted on information about alleged illicit activities in the Crags on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay.

"This effort led to the discovery of three men with a large quantity of abalone in their possession. Two of them fled the scene on foot, but their freedom was short-lived as the team caught up with them. The police arrested the suspects and confiscated 2 973 units of abalone as well as a variety diving equipment," Spies said.

He added that the three suspects, aged 25, 32 and 36, would remain in custody and were facing charges of illegal possession of abalone.

"The find was handed over to inspectors attached to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for safekeeping and disposal."

Bitou municipal spokesman, Andile Namntu, said when law enforcement officers arrived on the scene near Forest Hall, they found a large group of divers acting "very suspiciously". This was followed by a search and the subsequent discovery of the abalone..

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, lauded the team.

"This endeavour is part of our integrated approach when we embark on various Safer Festive Season operations. The protection of our living marine resources is of utmost importance in this province, especially to the economy. These interventions will continue as part of our concerted efforts to bring the unlawful harvesting and trafficking of our marine resources along the coast to a halt," Patekile said.

Abalone worth more than R700 000 was confiscated in the Crags, Plettenberg Bay.