PICS: Cops seize abalone worth R17m
Cape Town police seized abalone worth R17m and uncovered a huge illegal abalone processing operation in Philippi.
|||Cape Town - Cape Town police seized abalone worth R17 million and uncovered a huge illegal abalone processing operation during a raid on a premises in Philippi.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said that on Tuesday at about 5.55pm, Phillipi Crime Prevention Unit members noticed Ford Bantam LDV in Philippi.
Police followed the vehicle until it turned into a premises on the corners of Schaap road and Boom road in Philippi.
“The driver of the Ford Bantam LDV fled the scene on foot on seeing the members,” Van Wyk said.
“Upon close investigation, members discovered a few abalone hidden in the back of the Ford Bantam LDV. The vehicle and the abalone were seized,” van Wyk said.
Police members then decided to conduct their own investigation of the premises where the Bantam drove to, and discovered a massive amount of abalone packed on shelves in different rooms where it was in the process of being dried.
Van Wyk said a large quantity of fresh abalone was found in a bath tub.
“The large quantity of abalone seized is estimated to have a street value worth R17 million. Equipment such as large commercial gas tanks, shelving and large steel tubs were also seized.”
According to Van Wyk, members of the Department of Environmental Affairs worked through the night to count and bag the abalone.
Police are investigation a case of dealing in abalone and is urging the public to come forward with information.
Station commander Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Laing said police would continue clamping down on crime and the perpetrators thereof, and he commended the members for a job well done.
ANA