/ 21 January 2007

Gauteng police bust possible abalone syndicate

Ten people have been arrested for the possession of six tonnes of abalone with a street value of R10-million, Gauteng police said on Sunday.

Director Govindsamy Mariemuthoo said four people were arrested in Ferndale, Randburg, on Saturday afternoon for the possession of two tonnes of abalone worth R2-million.

At 5am on Sunday, police arrested six people at Sterkfontein farm near Krugersdorp with two tonnes of dry abalone worth R6-million and two tonnes of wet abalone worth R2-million.

”Police investigations are continuing and police are investigating the possibility that they have been operating as a syndicate,” Mariemuthoo said.

The suspects were charged under the Marine Resources Act for possession of fish-processing plants and possession of abalone without permits.

They will appear in court soon. — Sapa