CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — South African police have seized an estimated $1.8 million worth of abalone during a raid on a facility in Thornton, Cape Town. The operation, which resulted in three suspects being apprehended and facing court charges, was conducted by the Hawks, a specialized unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) tasked with tackling serious organized crime.
The raid followed a months — long investigation into the illegal harvesting and trafficking of the protected marine species. Authorities believe the seized abalone was poached from the ocean, contributing to the ongoing problem of abalone poaching in the region. It is estimated that thousands of abalone are poached annually, with regional officials confirming the charges against the suspects include illegal harvesting and trafficking of protected species.
The ongoing investigation aims to trace the origin and distribution network of the seized abalone. The South African government has expressed concern over the impact of abalone poaching on marine ecosystems, with officials emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting marine resources. The case is anticipated to send a strong message against the illegal abalone trade.
Source: iol
