An 83-year-old man was among five suspects arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) West Coast District officers after authorities seized 418 West Coast rock lobsters, a lobster tail, and an octopus, valued at over R209 000 yesterday.

The arrests followed an early warning issued to the community on Wednesday, cautioning residents that possession of lobsters during the red tide would lead to arrests.

Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk says members of the West Coast District, along with other stakeholders, were conducting cross-border operations when two vehicles sped past them on Elands Bay Road.

“Police pursued the vehicles, but one drove off the road, prompting authorities to alert neighbouring stations. The second vehicle was eventually lost in heavy mist.”

Following a search, officers discovered a Nissan LDV parked on the roadside near Laaiplek.

“Inside was an elderly male, 83 years old, who told officers that his passengers had fled. A search of the vehicle revealed a police identity card belonging to a member stationed in the West Coast District.”

Using a private drone, the remaining four suspects were located and arrested.