Abalone. Photo: SAPS

Police arrested three men and confiscated abalone valued at R234 500. The incident took place at 02:30 on Sunday 7 January, reports police spokesperson Captain Adriana Chandler.

Members of the Operational Response Service received information that a vehicle suspected of transporting abalone was driving from Melkbosstrand towards Table View.

A description of the vehicle was given to the police officers, who observed the vehicle near Big Bay.  The driver of the suspected vehicle started to drive faster and made a u-turn in front of the police vehicle.

The vehicle came to a sudden halt and some of the occupants fled, but police managed to capture three of the men.
Five bags with chucked and un-chucked abalone were found inside the vehicle.  The abalone has an estimated street value of R234 500.

The abalone was handed over to Forestry and Sea Fisheries and the suspects, aged 18, 31 and 33 were arrested and taken to Table View Police Station for detention until their court appearance.