A routine patrol by the Maitland Flying Squad led to a significant bust on the N2 Highway near Macassar on Wednesday morning.
According to officials, vigilant officers identified and pulled over a suspicious-looking silver Mercedes Vito during their patrols. Upon searching the vehicle, they discovered an imitation firearm loaded with blank rounds.
Further inspection revealed 209 units of abalone, a protected marine species, with an estimated street value of R100,000.00.
An adult male was immediately placed under arrest. He faces charges for the possession of an imitation firearm and the illegal possession of abalone.
Once formally charged, the suspect is scheduled to appear in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court to answer to the allegations.