GAUTENG – An Intelligence driven operation by members of the Hawks, K9 Unit, Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), culminated in the arrest of three suspects aged between 27 and 51 respectively, on Wednesday in Midrand as well as the seizure of abalone valued at approximately R3.5 million rands.
Members followed up on information concerning suspicious activities at an address along Modderfontein Road in Midrand. Preliminary investigations on the scene revealed an abalone processing facility with drying equipment. About eighteen thousand units of dried abalone valued at approximately R3.5million was seized, resulting in the arrest of the three suspects found in the premises.
The trio are expected to appear before the Midrand Magistrate’s Court on Friday, November 24 to face charges of running an illegal abalone facility in contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act.
