Two foreign nationals have been arrested and charged for abalone possession, valued at more than R4,4 million.
Spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said the arrest was effected by the Gqeberha Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks in joint efforts with Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Dark Water Ops and Marine life Environment control members.
"The joint team received information about a particular illegal abalone operating plant at Neave Township in Gqeberha," he said.
Officers arrived at the location to find two men drying and processing the abalone.
"Inside the premises 10,510 wet and dry abalone units weighing 1,061kg, were seized.
Officials also seized tubs filled with abalone, cooking pots, a scale, gas tanks and other items including 450 plastic bags and cellphones," he said.
Mhlakuvana said the duo are expected to appear in the New Bright Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Hawks acting provincial head, Brigadier Fernando Luis, expressed his gratitude to the joint team for successfully uncovering the clandestine abalone plant and the arrest of suspects for contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act, 18 of 1998.