Police in the Western Cape have arrested five suspects after they were caught in possession of West Coast Rock Lobster tails and other marine resources without the necessary permits.
The arrest comes after a joint operation between the police and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) officers.
According to provincial police spokesperson Col Andrè Traut, officers acted on information regarding two vehicles that were heading towards Cape Town from Elands Bay with marine resources that were poached in the area.
“This information was operationalised and the two vehicles which took different routes were pursued. In Laaiplek one of the vehicles, a Toyota LDV was stopped and searched which led to the discovery of 57 WCRL tails. Two male suspects aged 31 and 52 were arrested,” Traut said.
Also read: DFFE reduces the total allowable catch for the West Coast Rock Lobster
Traut further mentioned that the second vehicle, also a Toyota LDV was apprehended in Piketberg where 6998 WCRL tails and an assortment of marine resources were confiscated.
“A large sum of cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime was also seized. Three male suspects aged 32, 36 and 42 were arrested. The combined value of the seized resources is estimated at around R730 000-00. Both vehicles were also impounded,” Traut indicated.
Meanwhile, the suspects who are from Mitchells Plain, Bonteheuwel and Athlone respectively are due to make their court appearance once they have been charged.
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Picture: : WWF