The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested two suspects in separate incidents, on the N1 national road near Worcester, for the trafficking of abalone. This resulted in the seizure of 4582 dried abalone with an estimated street value of R2 million.

During the first incident, SAPS officers attached to the Breederiver K9 unit, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Kuilsrivier STESU, Provincial Traffic and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs arrested a 39-year-old male for possession of abalone without permit during an integrated operation on Tuesday, 10 September 2024.

The officers followed up on intelligence received of a truck transporting abalone from Cape Town on the N1 national road. A Vehicle Check Point (VCP) was setup on the N1 Road near Meirings Park, Worcester. The identified truck was spotted and pulled over by Traffic Police, and a search of the truck revealed the illicit cargo.

Abalone was discovered inside the cabin by K9 Layla, a protected species detection dog. Further searches were conducted by Layla, resulting in more bags being discovered in a compartment attached to the outside of the truck.

On the same day, information was received of a second truck, allegedly also transporting abalone from Cape Town. Worcester Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) responded to the information and pulled over the truck on the N-1. Officers conducted a search and discovered 960 dried abalone, with an estimated value of R468 105,00 inside the cabin of the truck. They subsequently arrested a 41-year-old man for possession of abalone.

Both suspects are due to appear in the Worcester Magistrates’ court on 12 September 2024 on the mentioned charges.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, applauded the members involved for their vigilance, outstanding commitment, and dedication that led to the arrests and confiscation of the abalone