in KwaZulu-Natal
11 April 2007
An intensive joint investigation by various government agencies today
uncovered a sophisticated network of abalone smuggling in the largest seizure
of abalone in KwaZulu-Natal to date. Six suspects, four of whom are foreign
nationals, were arrested during an early morning raid on a farm in Camperdown
outside Durban.
The investigation based on intelligence gathered of abalone smuggling in
South Africa, uncovered between five and six tons of dried and wet (shucked)
abalone worth between R10 million and R12 million. This is the largest seizure
in KwaZulu-Natal as the province is not traditionally known as a prominent
destination for abalone smuggling. The suspects are expected to appear in court
later this week.
Investigators from the Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) of the Department
of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, the Directorate of Special Operations
(DSO), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and a Special Task Force of
the South African Police Service (SAPS), early this morning raided a farm in
Camperdown outside Durban.
As of 1 May this year, abalone will be included on the Convention
International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) list of protected species.
However, the levels of illicit trade in abalone are fast depleting South
Africa's marine resources. 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.
Based on research figures of confiscations during 2005, which totalled more
than 1,1 million tons, conservative estimates of earnings for smugglers and
poachers for that year probably exceeded R1,2 billion. This does not only
represent the risk of revenue loss to the fiscus but also comprise convergence
of other forms of criminal activity including drug smuggling, money laundering,
smuggling, racketeering and human trafficking.
For further enquiries, please contact:
Adrian Lackay
South African Revenue Service
Spokesperson
Cell: 083 338 2580
Phindile Radebe
South African Police Service
Senior Superintendent
Cell: 082 496 1109
Blessing Manale
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Chief Director: Communications
Cell: 083 677 1630
Lucinda Moonieya
Directorate of Special Operations
Cell: 082 926 7738
Issued by: South African Revenue Service
11 April 2007
