The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gqeberha has dealt another significant blow to the illegal abalone trade after recovering abalone with an estimated street value of R130,000 during an intelligence-driven operation along the city’s coastline.
The successful operation took place on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at approximately 12:30, when members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) Combat Team acted on information about illegally poached abalone allegedly hidden near Gate 1 at Noordhoek along Marine Drive.
Upon arriving at the location, officers searched the identified area and, with the assistance of a diver from a private security company, recovered six waist bags concealed between rocks in shallow water.
Officials from Sea Fisheries were called to the scene to process the seizure.
Police confiscated a total of 1,048 units of abalone, consisting of 965 deshelled and 83 shelled abalone. The haul has an estimated street value of R130,000.
No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are continuing to identify those responsible for the illegal harvesting and storage of the protected marine species.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, praised the officers for their swift response and effective collaboration with law enforcement partners.
“Every successful recovery disrupts the illegal wildlife trafficking network and prevents our marine resources from being exploited for criminal gain. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect South Africa’s natural resources and bring those responsible for environmental crimes to justice,” said Brigadier Ngalo.
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