What a catch: Police confiscate illegal contraband
A high-ranking member of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party has been busted with several million rand worth of abalone, an endangered shellfish whose barter is tied to Chinese drug gangs.
Working on a tip, Marine coastal officials caught Siphiwo Vincent Kalola (27) was caught with the abalone catch, estimated to be worth R 3.2 million (US $363,088) the morning the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped its corruption case against now-president-elect Jacob Zuma. Kalola is the regional treasurer of the ANC, as well as the strategic planner for the mayor of the Overberg municipality.
Original article (click to enlarge)
A total of 2,747 abalone were found in black bags stuffed into the front seat and trunk of Kalola’s car, which was plastered with ANC campaign signs.
Abalone, a prized delicacy in Asian countries, has become an endangered species due to illegal commercial harvesting and widespread poaching. There is an active trade in abalone shells which sell for more than US$1,400 per metric ton. Police believe local criminal gangs barter abalone illegally with Chinese nationals in exchange for chemicals used in the production of drugs, reducing the need for the use of money and hence avoiding money laundering issues. It is not known why Kalola had the abalone in his car.
Hendrik Latola of the ANC was quick to denounce Kalola, adding that these activities is the reason for the deteriorating of the moral standards of the poor fishing community. “The ANC wants to state it clearly that they do not approve this serious offence, no matter who the person is. This evil has a tremendous negative impact on communities affected by this. Further more,we want to apologise to the community for what happened.”
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This is amazing! No respect for nature.
Hey, I wish I had his phone number. Abalone is delicious!!!