R88 000 abalone haul

2003-05-15 09:28

Cape Town - A total of 1 158 perlemoen (abalone) worth R88 000 has been seized by Operation Neptune officers in the Hermanus area since Monday, Western Cape police said on Thursday.

Inspector Eben Groenewald said 900 whole live crayfish and 459 crayfish tails worth R33 000 had also been confiscated along with two vehicles. Five suspects were arrested.

In one instance officials confiscated 495 shucked perlemoen at Franskraal near Gansbaai on Monday.

Six hours later two Hermanus men were arrested on the road between Hermanus and Caledon when officials found 98 shucked perlemoen in their bakkie. Their vehicle was confiscated.

An hour later, a Kleinmond man was arrested at Boskop, near Kleinmond, with 30 shucked perlemoen in his possession.

In another instance on Tuesday police confiscated 900 whole live crayfish and 459 crayfish tails found hidden in bushes in Hawston after a tip-off.

A few hours later two Bredasdorp men were arrested near Grabouw when their vehicle was stopped at a roadblock. More than 330 perlemoen were found in the vehicle.

Anyone with information about poaching activities should contact Operation Neptune on 028 313 2703.

- SAPA