A man from Bloemfontein was apprehended last night after being found in possession of a significant consignment of abalone.
The arrest was made by members of the Bloemfontein and Provincial Stock Theft Units, who acted on information received through the Eyes and Ears Initiative (E2). The initiative had alerted authorities about a vehicle transporting abalone from Gqeberha to Bloemfontein.
Following up on the information received, law enforcement officers tracked the vehicle since yesterday afternoon. Their efforts paid off when they spotted and intercepted a Ford Ranger bakkie on OR Thambo Road, near the South Campus in Bloemfontein, just after 23:00 last night.
Upon searching the bakkie, officers discovered black bags filled with abalone on the seats and in the back of the vehicle. The estimated weight of the seized abalone is approximately 1.1 tons, with an estimated value of R4.2 million.
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In addition to confiscating the abalone, the police also impounded the Ford Ranger bakkie. The 46-year-old suspect, believed to be involved in the illegal possession of abalone, is scheduled to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
This successful arrest and seizure highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat abalone poaching and smuggling. The Eyes and Ears Initiative (E2) continues to play a vital role in facilitating the sharing of information and intelligence, leading to the apprehension of individuals involved in illegal activities.
