A 36-year-old man has been arrested near Uniondale for being in possession of perlemoen worth an estimated R1.4m.
Police spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie, says the bust on Tuesday morning was a result of a joint integrated crime combatting operation between members of the Western Cape Rural Flying Squad, the Hawks from George and the Oudtshoorn K-9 unit.
He said the members were executing roving roadblocks when they noticed a ten ton truck en route from Johannesburg.
Pojie says the truck was stopped and searched and false compartment was found containing 120 bags of dried perlemoen..
He said the 36-year-old driver from Alexandra in Johannesburg was arrested.
"Officials of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) were activated to assist Saps members with the processing of the find. The abalone was handed to them and they also confiscated the truck that was used as transportation," he said.
The suspect is due to appear in the Uniondale magistrates’ court Thursday facing a charge of dealing in abalone.
Pojie said he might face additional charges related to the contravention of the Sea Fisheries Act.
The Western Cape police management has commended these members involved for their dedication and reiterated their commitment to a safer festive season for all inhabitants of the Western Cape, inclusive of visitors and holiday makers.
