Confiscated abalone. Photo for illustration

It was a case of so near and yet so far. Two heavily-laden men were apprehended coming from the sea at Melkbosstrand around 4.30 am on Thursday morning. They had a huge haul with them, but as they emerged from the sea they were apprehended by a team consisting of Melkbosstrand police, Sea Border and Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch.

It must have left a briny taste in the men’s mouths. According to a police spokesperson the men’s haul consisted of 307 abalone and one egg-carrying lobster which were hidden inside bags. Another 866 abalone were found hidden on the beach.

The men are originally from Hermanus but currently reside in Witsand outside Atlantis.  The abalone and lobster are valued at an estimated R60 000. The abalone and lobster were handed to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The suspects are being detained at Melkbosstrand police station.