Eight arrested in abalone busts

Eight men were arrested in two separate incidents in the northern suburbs, on Saturday, for the possession of abalone with a total estimated street value of more than R170 000.

Acting on a tip-off, officers found 72kg of abalone with an estimated street value of R54 000 when they searched an address on the corner of Old Oak Road and Frans Conradie Drive, Bellville, said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.

“They detained seven suspects between the ages of 36 and 60 on a charge of unlawful possession of abalone. One of the suspects, who was also found in possession of a blank pistol, will also make a court appearance on a charge of possession of an imitation firearm,” he said.

Another man was arrested on the same charge, in a separate incident, in Brackenfell, said Warrant Officer Swartbooi.

“Maitland flying squad members were busy with patrols on Saturday January 25 when they were alerted about a vehicle transporting abalone in Brackenfell policing precinct.

“The members proceeded to the identified area, entered and searched the premises and in the process confiscated abalone with an estimated mass of 74kg. They detained one male for the unlawful possession of abalone,” he said.

The estimated street value of the 74kg of abalone confiscated in Brackenfell was R118 400, according to Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment spokesperson Merle Carol van Diemel.