19 Suspected poachers were arrested early this morning. Photos: SAPS

19 Suspected poachers were arrested shortly before
4 0’ clock this morning in Hout Bay, police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk says. The men, whose ages range from 18 to 38, were arrested after police found them in possession of 1308 units of abalone, of which the value is not yet known.

Police also confiscated diving equipment, a rubber duck, a Ford  Ranger and a Toyota Corolla. The arrests were the result of a joint operation between various police units comprising Provincial Detectives, Sea Border, Task Force and National Intervention Unit.

A rubber duck and diving equipment were confiscated.

The men are due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday on abalone related charges under the Marine Resource Act.