South African Police Service (SAPS) and Marine Coastal Management (MCM):
Significant breakthrough in abalone smuggling
29 October 2006
Cape Town -- An intensive multi-agency campaign today led to the
confiscation of some seven of tons of frozen and dried abalone with an
estimated street value of R11 million.
The significance of this intervention is the fact that for the first time,
through the co-operative efforts of the SARS, the SAPS and the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism's MCM division - domestic law enforcement
agencies were successful in rerouting two containers of smuggled abalone back
to South Africa; even after it left the country's shores.
In this regard the Malaysian authorities should be commended for their
support to South Africa to ensure the diversion of the goods back to this
country. This should signal to those involved in organised crime that goods
smuggled out of the country can be repatriated to serve as a basis for further
investigation and possible prosecution.
The containers with the abalone left the country about three weeks ago on a
cargo ship after being declared to SARS Customs as frozen sardines. At this
point it is believed that the containers were destined for Hong Kong.
Investigations to date clearly indicate that there exist strong links
between abalone poaching, illicit trade networks, drug trafficking, money
laundering, corruption and racketeering. Syndicates are known to exploit
vulnerable coastal communities where residents serve as poachers for abalone
destined for a growing international market.
The illicit abalone industry presents a convergence of economical,
environmental, social and political risks to South Africa. Abalone is often
used as barter in exchange for drugs or other proceeds of crime and forms part
of a larger criminal economy.
Abalone is listed under the Prohibited and Restricted Goods List
administered in terms of section 113 of the Customs and Excise Act (91 of
1964), and thus permits are required for exporting abalone.
This species may be legally sold by registered commercial fishers and
retailers. An operating licence from MCM needs to be obtained for this
purpose.
The three South African law enforcement agencies involved in this operation
trust that today's success will disincentivise non-compliance with the law.
Enquiries:
Adrian Lackay (SARS)
Cell: 083 388 2580
Senior Superintendent Vish Naidoo (SAPS)
Cell: 082 567 4153
Blessing Manale (MCM)
Cell: 083 381 2939
Issued by: South African Revenue Service, South African Police Service and
Marine Coastal Management
29 October 2006
