On Thursday 10 October, during an integrated intelligence-driven operation led by the Paarl K9 Unit, police members pursued information about a white SUV transporting abalone from Hermanus in the direction of Franschhoek.
They spotted the suspicious-looking vehicle around 21:55 on the R45. When the driver spotted them he sped off, and police went in hot pursuit.
The high-speed chase ended when the driver of the SUV lost control and left the road.
Bags were ejected from the vehicle and were found to contain abalone; in all, police confiscated 4 963 units of abalone.
The estimated street value of the abalone is R250 000, according to police. They detained the 21-year-old male driver of the SUV for unlawful possession of abalone.
The suspect was expected to appear in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court this week.
The South African Police Service said the arrest of suspects in possession of abalone without a valid permit remained high on its priority list.
