Vangate Mall bust: Three men caught with 1 000 illegal rock lobster tails
Three men were arrested at Vangate Mall after law enforcement officers discovered 1 000 West Coast rock lobster tails hidden in a vehicle during a routine patrol.
Image: Supplied
In a dramatic turn of events at Vangate Mall, three men have been arrested after law enforcement officials uncovered a staggering haul of illegally transported West Coast rock lobster tails.
The arrests were made on Wednesday, when officers from the City’s Law Enforcement Marine and Environmental Unit were conducting patrols in the mall’s parking area.
Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said officers became suspicious when a vehicle carrying three occupants suddenly reversed at speed after the occupants noticed law enforcement officials nearby. The vehicle was immediately stopped.
Dyason said officers questioned the driver about his behaviour and noticed that he was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver was asked to produce his driver’s licence and later granted permission for officers to search the vehicle.
“A strong smell of fish led officers to inspect the boot, where black bags containing West Coast rock lobster tails were found,” Dyason said.
The three male suspects — aged 26, 33 and 43, all from Grassy Park — were arrested and taken to Athlone SAPS.
They face charges of transporting West Coast rock lobster without a permit and possession of 1 000 West Coast rock lobster tails without a permit, Dyason confirmed.
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