Five suspects between the ages of 25 and 34 were arrested for the possession of flora without documentation. Their arrest follows an integrated effort between SAPS, Malmesbury Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Cape Nature Conservation.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Luqmaan Adams, the suspect was stopped and searched on the N7 close to Vanrhynsdorp where three bags with a total of 5697 conophytum succulent plants and two bags containing herbs were found in the vehicle.
Adams said once charged the suspects will appear in the Malmesbury Magistrate’s court on the mentioned charge
Also read: Poachers arrested with West Coast Rock Lobsters in Olifantsbos
Earlier this month, nine foreign nationals were arrested for smuggling abalone with an estimated value of more than R20.2 million. The suspects were arrested in two different specialized operations by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team together with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Crime Intelligence, SAPS K9 Overberg Cluster.
According to a police statement, two Chinese nationals and two Zimbabwean nationals aged between 24 to 27 were arrested for operating an illegal abalone processing facility in Welgemoed, Bellville. Dried abalone units with an approximate value of R6.5 million as well as abalone processing equipment were seized in the process.
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