– Edited by Bev Mortimer – Poachers in Bluewater Bay arrested for possession of R7+m abalone
And in what is seen as tighter measures and determination to stop illegal poaching activities in the Eastern Cape, a second major abalone bust occurred in the Eastern Cape in the past week after abalone poachers were arrested in Jeffreys Bay on 19 November for possession of 240k worth of abalone
Port of Ngqura SAPS officers and members of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) arrested four suspects and confiscated about R7-million worth of abalone yesterday a police statement this afternoon revealed.
Police received info yesterday of a vehicle transporting abalone in Bluewater Bay area. In a joint operation with members of from Port of Ngqura SAPS and DFFE patrolled Blue Water Bay. At about 6 pm the members saw a white Toyota Rav4 and when they tried to stop the vehicle it sped off and a high speed chase ensued. The vehicle drove into a garage in Whales Way and Bluewater Bay police stopped behind them at the house.
During a search of the vehicle the members confiscated two bags of abalone. Inside the house they found more abalone together with processing equipment. A total of 19830 units of dry abalone were found inside the house with an estimated value of R6 434,377.
Police also confiscated 3985 units of wet abalone with an estimated value of R831,048. The total value of the abalone confiscated is R7,265,425. The Toyota Rav4 used for the transporting of abalone was confiscated and an undisclosed amount of cash was also confiscated.
Four foreign national suspects aged between 30-40 were detained on charges of contravention of the Marine Living Resource Act, 19 of 1998 Regulation 36 sub sect 1 – for illegal possession of abalone. The four will appear in the Motherwell magistrate on 25 November.
The Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata reiterated that illegal abalone activities is a huge concern and commended SAPS Port of Ngqura and DFFE for their alertness in nabbing these smugglers. “Illegal abalone activity are continuing in Gqeberha, however SAPS members are leaving no stone unturned as they clamp down on criminals.
The poaching of these molluscs can have a significant negative impact on the endangered species so efforts to apprehend those involved is crucial. By apprehending abalone poachers, our officials are not only upholding the law but also sending a strong message that illegal activities like this will not be tolerated,’ warned Maj Gen Ncata.
