Police in South Africa have apprehended a suspected poacher found with a significant haul of dry abalone valued at tens of thousands of dollars, according to the environment ministry on Wednesday. The suspect, a motorist, was in possession of 27 black plastic bags containing over 13,000 abalone shells, weighing a total of 640kg. These mollusks, highly prized and protected by stringent fishing quotas, are frequently poached from South Africa's coastal areas. The dry abalone, which can fetch up to 6,000 rand (approximately $330 or 300 euros) per kilogram, is primarily smuggled to Asia. The ministry has urged for a quick legal action against the suspect, who was arrested last week during a routine stop and search operation in the Eastern Cape, a region renowned for its expansive, wild Indian Ocean coastline.
Deputy Environment Minister Narend Singh has called on all South Africans to remain vigilant and report any environmental crimes to the authorities. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration with law enforcement to safeguard marine resources. The illegal trade in abalone has nearly doubled over the last ten years, as reported by the wildlife trade monitoring network Traffic. This once plentiful delicacy, known for its chewy texture and unique salty flavor, is a staple at celebrations and wedding banquets in parts of East Asia. The smuggling operations are frequently orchestrated by Chinese criminal groups.
