The Northern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Investigations Unit made a significant breakthrough over the weekend, seizing abalone with an estimated street value of nearly R2 million during a raid on a farmhouse in Douglas. Acting on intelligence about suspicious activities, the unit conducted an operation that led to the arrest of five foreign nationals, two Malawian nationals, and three Chinese nationals, ranging in age from 18 to 60, on charges of illegal possession of abalone.
The Department of Home Affairs has been called in to assist in determining the immigration status of the suspects as police work to build a strong case against the alleged abalone smugglers. Law enforcement officials discovered several containers filled with a substantial amount of abalone during a thorough search of the premises.
In addition to the abalone seizure, authorities also confiscated several exhibits and two vehicles believed to have been used in the commission of the crime, including a Toyota Hilux bakkie and a Nissan NP200. The South African Police Service, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, estimated the street value of the confiscated abalone to be approximately R1.9 million.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities following up on additional leads related to the case. Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, the police spokesperson, emphasized the importance of verifying the legal status of all individuals involved in the operation in collaboration with Home Affairs.
Acting Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the team for intercepting the illegal abalone operation and reiterated the commitment to vigorously pursue marine-related crimes. Offenders will face the full force of the law as the investigation progresses.
The seizure of abalone worth millions underscores the ongoing battle against wildlife trafficking and illegal activities in the region. The authorities are dedicated to ensuring that all individuals involved in this illegal operation are brought to justice. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.
