Five suspects, aged between 20 and 83, were arrested on the West Coast District, on Thursday.
They were in possession of 418 West Coast Rock Lobsters, one -tail and an octopus valued at close R210,000.
This follows a warning from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DAFF) that a red tide washed out several marine species, including Rock Lobsters.
Residents and visitors were urged not to collect and consume the species, due to their contamination.
But the police said while conducting cross border operations, at a bridge in Elands Bay Road, two vehicles drove past, at high speed.
They chased, one disappeared in the most, while another, a Nissan LDV, was found parked along the road, with an elderly man, aged 83.
The police questioned him and searched the vehicle.
They found a police identity card of a member stationed in the West Coast District.
Four other suspects were found using a private drone and arrested.
All five men will appear in the Laaiplek Magistrates court on Friday, 27 February 2026, for possession of lobsters without a permit.
Picture: Supplied