PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A 20-strong perlemoen, or abalone, poaching syndicate operating in the Tsitsikamma region of SANParks was bust on 5 February with the arrest of four suspects, of whom two were foreigners.
More than R45 000 of abalone weighing over 29kg was confiscated during an operation in the Tsitsikamma marine protected area, along the Otter hiking trail.
The operatives, believed to be from Cape Town, were staying in Covie near Nature’s Valley when they were confronted following a three-day operation by SANParks rangers, Border police and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
SANParks head of communications and spokesperson JP Louw said on Tuesday 3 February SANParks received information about the presence of about 20 suspected abalone poachers operating along the Otter Trail. Fresh abalone shells were found, confirming that illegal harvesting had taken place.
SANParks rangers responded with various operations from Tuesday to Thursday.
Intensive search
On Thursday, teams tracked the suspects to an area where they had been staying in Covie. The suspects attempted to flee when approached.
“A thorough and intensified search followed, which led to the apprehension of four suspects, said Louw.
During the operation, two illegal immigrants were also arrested and detained in Plettenberg Bay.
Two cases have been opened at the Plettenberg Bay police station, one relating to illegal immigration and the other to the possession of abalone.
“A total of 204 units of abalone were seized, with a combined weight of 29.3kg and an estimated value of R45 630,” said Louw.
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