File
Six suspects are in custody for being in possession of abalone with an estimated value of R600 000 following their arrest by the Hawks on N2 in Gqeberha on Thursday.
Lieutenant-Colonel Avele Fumba said the arrests were made in a joint operation with the Flying Squad, Dark Water Operations, and officials from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.
Fumba said they seized 818 units of abalone, a Ford Ranger vehicle valued at R300 000, and equipment.
He said the Hawks received a tip-off about suspected abalone poaching near St Francis Bay in the Kromme River area.
Fumba said the team spotted the bakkie on the N2 near to Kabega Park where it was pulled over.
He said there were three people inside the vehicle and three more on the back, sitting on top of bags of abalone.
“All six suspects, aged between 20 and 34, were apprehended on the spot, and detained at Kabega Park Police Station for further proceedings”.
