Police net R80k fishy haul in Durban

Police and custom officials confiscated more than R72,000 worth of abalone from a business in Durban on Thursday.

Police spokesman Captain Nqobile Gwala said the raid by police, South African Revenue Services (SARS), immigration officers and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries also netted line fish, east coast rock lobster, oysters, mussels, langoustines, crabs and prawns.

The estimated street value of the haul, including the abalone, was approximately R86,000.

“A search was also conducted at another shop, where more abalone was recovered. They were found packed inside a fridge at the business premises. The total estimated value of the recovered abalone is R72,840.”

Gwala said a 28-year-old man was arrested and would be charged “in terms of the Marine and Living Resources Act”.

He was expected to appear in court on Friday.