A 22-year-old suspect, was arrested in Hout Bay, Cape Town, on Saturday, for the possession of 250 kilograms of abalone.
He is now in custody at Hout Bay SAPS.
Dr Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, has commended the work of MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, officers in the City of Cape Town’s Special Operations Unit, Law Enforcement, and the Internal Investigations Unit, for successfully intercepting a major poaching operation on Thursday, 16 January 2025.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the entire team who contributed in any way to the successful operation in Hout Bay yesterday. Their remarkable work resulted in the confiscation of over 250 kilograms of abalone!” said Dr George.
He also said the bust represents the kind of proactive, intelligent policing that is crucial in the fight against poaching and other forms of organised crime.