Nine suspects arrested for poaching near Robben Island

Nine suspects have been arrested for their alleged involvement in poaching activities near Robben Island, as a result of a coordinated operation by the SAPS Drone Unit.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as the illicit trade continues to flourish.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the suspects were apprehended while they were operating on a vessel near Robben Island and are expected to appear in court soon.

“An integrated operation involving the SAPS Drone Unit, SAPS Divers, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and other law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, aged between 20 and 35, on Tuesday morning near Robben Island,” he explained.

Twigg added that a drone had been deployed which made a positive identification: "Faced with challenging circumstances, the SAPS Drone Unit was called in to support the operation. 

“A drone was deployed from one of the vessels and, working in conjunction with the divers, played a key role in tracking and apprehending the suspects, as well as in the recovery of poaching equipment.”

Twigg explained the suspects are facing charges under the Maritime Act and are scheduled to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Earlier this year, the Cape Argus reported that a half a million rand is earned by illegal poachers during one shipment of abalone.

This the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said was just the tip of the iceberg for the illegal lucrative trade which is estimated to be more than R10 billion.

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Cape Argus