Members of the SAPS Mount Road Visible Policing (VISPOL) unit have dealt a significant blow to the illegal abalone trade following the arrest of three suspects on Tuesday.
The suspects were apprehended on 17 February 2026 after police discovered them in possession of a large quantity of dried abalone. The confiscated stock, comprising 1,170 units of dried abalone, is estimated to have a street value of approximately R2.6 million.
Authorities have described the bust as a major disruption to the illegal abalone trafficking industry in the region. The three individuals are in custody and are expected to face charges related to the possession and trafficking of marine resources.