SAPS: Western Cape
The Police Sea Border Unit and other role players have confiscated abalone with an estimated value of R700 000 during a combined operation at Plettenberg Bay.
Sergeant Chris Spies says the SAPS Sea Border unit, Rural Flying Squad, SANPARKS, Bitou Municipal Law Enforcement and a local security company followed up on information and swooped on a bushy area near The Crags on Wednesday night.
Three men tried to flee on foot but were immediately apprehended.
Sergeant Spies says police arrested the suspects and confiscated 2973 units of abalone as well as diving equipment.
The three men, aged 25, 32 and 36, remain in police custody.
They're expected to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates' court on Friday on charges of illegal possession of abalone.
The find was handed over to inspectors attached to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for safekeeping and disposal.
Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, lauded the team for their vigilance in pursuing the suspects and the ultimate confiscation of the find.
