Law enforcement operations have dealt a significant blow to the illegal lobster trade following the arrest of a 35-year-old man in Bishop Lavis who was found in possession of more than 3,000 West Coast Rock Lobster tails.
Members of the City of Cape Town’s Marine and Environmental Unit were conducting patrols in the area on Tuesday when they noticed a man behaving nervously as he approached a property.
According to Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason, officers stopped the suspect after observing his suspicious behaviour.
“They asked if they could enter the premises, and he gave permission and escorted members inside. Upon entering, officers detected a strong fish odour and asked the man whether he was selling fish. He denied it. During a further inspection, members discovered fridges in a room filled with blue bags containing 3,162 West Coast Rock Lobster tails,” Dyason said.
The suspect was arrested and the illegal seafood was confiscated.
In a separate, coordinated operation led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), with support from South African National Parks, further enforcement action was taken against illegal fishing activities.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of four vessels and the arrest of 10 fishermen for allegedly catching crayfish in the closed Marine Protected Areas of Brightwaters and Olifantsbos, located within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
VOC News
Photo: Supplied
