South African police have intensified efforts against environmental crime and drug trafficking after recovering more than 1,000 illegally harvested abalone in the Eastern Cape while making several drug-related arrests during separate operations in the Western Cape.
The abalone seizure, valued at approximately R130,000, was made near Marine Drive in Gqeberha, where officers discovered the shellfish hidden among rocks in shallow coastal waters. In unrelated operations near Cape Town, police arrested multiple suspects on charges ranging from drug possession to illegal ammunition possession.
The latest operations form part of ongoing law enforcement efforts targeting organised crime, wildlife trafficking and narcotics distribution across the country.
Illegal abalone stash discovered along Gqeberha coastline
Members of the South African Police Service’s Anti-Gang Unit acted on intelligence indicating that illegally harvested abalone had been concealed near Gate 1 in the Noordhoek area.
Working alongside private security personnel, officers searched the coastline on Wednesday before locating six bags hidden between rocks shortly after midday. The haul contained 965 deshelled abalone and 83 shelled specimens, bringing the total to 1,048 units.
Sea Fisheries officials were called to the scene to process the confiscated shellfish in accordance with environmental regulations.
Although no arrests have yet been made, police confirmed that investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to identify those responsible.
Eastern Cape District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo praised the officers involved, saying each successful seizure weakens illegal wildlife trafficking networks while protecting South Africa’s valuable marine resources from criminal exploitation.
Illegal abalone harvesting remains one of South Africa’s most lucrative environmental crimes, with much of the product trafficked through organised criminal syndicates to overseas markets where demand remains high.
Drug raids lead to multiple arrests near Cape Town
In separate operations conducted under Operation Prosper, Western Cape police recorded several arrests across communities near Cape Town on Thursday.
In the Kanini informal settlement in Harare, Khayelitsha, officers arrested a 26-year-old man after allegedly finding him in possession of a large quantity of cannabis.
A second suspect, aged 31, was arrested elsewhere in Khayelitsha after police allegedly discovered 37 packets of crystal methamphetamine and 18 Mandrax tablets.
Meanwhile, in Scottsdene, Kraaifontein, police arrested three suspects aged between 27 and 28. Officers confiscated 48 Mandrax tablets, 22 packets of crystal methamphetamine and 14 rounds of .38 Special ammunition during the operation.
Western Cape police confirmed that all suspects are expected to appear before the Blue Downs and Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Courts on charges linked to drug possession and, where applicable, unlawful possession of ammunition.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining pressure on organised crime groups involved in narcotics trafficking, illegal wildlife trade and other offences that threaten community safety and South Africa’s natural resources.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS)