Two Suspects Arrested with R2 Million Worth of Abalone on N1 Highway

In the first operation on 10 September 2024, a 39-year-old man was apprehended after police, acting on intelligence, stopped a truck transporting abalone.

Two suspects, arrested for possessing abalone valued at over R2 million, are set to appear in the Worcester Magistrates' Court today. The arrests occurred during two separate incidents on the N1 near Worcester.

In the first operation on 10 September 2024, a 39-year-old man was apprehended after police, acting on intelligence, stopped a truck transporting abalone. K9 Layla, a species detection dog, uncovered 4,582 dried abalone hidden in the truck, with an estimated street value of R2 million.

Later the same day, a second truck was intercepted, leading to the arrest of a 41-year-old man found with 960 dried abalone worth R468,105. Both arrests were part of a coordinated effort by K9 Breederiver, Provincial Crime Intelligence, the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, and other enforcement agencies.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile commended the police for their vigilance and dedication in tackling illegal abalone poaching.