Seven suspects are in police custody in Gqeberha following their arrest earlier this week in a sting operation by the Hawks.
Spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela says on Monday the Hawks followed the movements of rubber ducks allegedly involved in illegal abalone poaching.
She says they were monitored for a period of time and it was established that the rubber ducks were launched illegally into the Swartkops Rriver near the Redhouse village.
Captain Mgolodela says as the suspects were about to launch the boats on Monday night, members approached them.
She says there were two Colt bakkies on the scene and one tried to evade the Hawks and nearly ran over a member.
The occupants in the second bakkie surrendered.
Police confiscated both bakkies, two rubber ducks, shucking tools and 18 cylinders.
The suspects aged between 27 and 47 are expected to appear in court this week on allegations of contravention of the Riotous Assemblies Act and conspiracy to contravene the Marine Living Resources Act.
