and vehicles
25 July 2007
Officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, the
South African Police Services' Dog Unit and Organised Crime Units have earlier
today (Wednesday, 25 July 2007) during a successful joint operation arrested
five Chinese nationals (4 men and one woman), seized more than 18 500 units of
dried abalone and confiscated 4 motor vehicles and abalone drying equipment
during an operation carried out in Johannesburg today.
The abalone is estimated to be worth more that R1 million. The operation
which spawned from intelligence gathering and tip offs from members of the
community, involved searches at two separate but linked premises around the
Roodepoort area. The first premise was used as an operational abalone drying
factory fully equipped with various drying equipment.
The suspects have been taken to the Sophiatown police station in
Johannesburg and are expected to appear in court later this week.
"The arrests today should send a strong signal to those who come to our
country to plunder our natural resource base. No matter where you are, we will
find you. Our patience is at zero tolerance. You not only rape our environment
but you also are denying future generations from enjoying the benefits of our
marine resources," said Mava Scott, Head of Communications in the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
For further information please contact:
Mava Scott
Cell: 082 411 9821
Carol Moses
Cell: 082 829 3917
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
25 July 2007
