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Eastern Cape police said a Chinese national has been arrested after abalone with a value of R15 million was found on a property in Walmer in Gqeberha.
Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the bust was made on Wednesday following an intelligence-driven operation.
She said police executed a search warrant at a storage facility, finding 18,464 units of dried abalone and drying equipment.
Gantana said the suspect will be charged with contravening the Marine Living Resources Act and operating an illegal fishing establishment.
“The suspect is remanded in custody and will appear in court this week.
“Authorities are working to trace the supply chain and identify those involved in the smuggling syndicate,” she said.
Gantana said abalone poaching remains a serious concern and the SAPS was appealing to communities to report suspicious activities related to marine poaching.
Anonymous tipoffs can be communicated via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or reported on the MySAPS App.
“All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous,” she said.
