The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the arrest of three suspects in Gqeberha and the seizure of R2.6 million worth of dried abalone has dealt a serious blow to criminal networks threatening South Africa’s marine resources.

The operation, carried out earlier today, led to the confiscation of 1,170 units of dried abalone believed to be destined for the illegal market.

Police spokesperson Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, says SAPS Mount Road VISPOL members were conducting patrols in the Deal Party area, including the parking area at New Brighton Beach, which has previously been identified as problematic due to incidents of diesel theft from horse-and-trailer trucks.

“Members noticed a large liquor transport truck parked nearby. Upon further observation, they identified a one-ton Tata LDV vehicle where three suspects were busy loading 17 black plastic bags onto the truck. Members immediately conducted an inspection and discovered that all the bags were filled with dried abalone.”

The suspects are expected to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court soon.

SAPS says the illegal abalone trade not only damages the environment but also threatens livelihoods and food security in coastal communities.

Police are urging residents to report suspicious activity linked to the harvesting and transport of marine resources, stressing that continued community cooperation is key to dismantling organised crime syndicates.