Fishy dealings bring abalone traffickers undone
by Nick Foster on 12 Mar 2015
Fisheries Victoria Officers Brad Smith and Liam Quinn with abalone seized during Operation Talon, which focused on detecting, investigating and dismantling fisheries crime. Nick Foster
A Fisheries Victoria investigation has cracked an alleged abalone trafficking syndicate operating through a Noble Park North restaurant.
Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources officers yesterday executed two search warrants, arresting three people for the suspected trafficking of abalone.
Commercial quantities of abalone were seized at three premises and seafood processing equipment seized at one premises.
The investigation was conducted over six months during which time it is alleged the offenders trafficked a commercial quantity of abalone with a retail value of $10,000 over multiple dates.
Fisheries Victoria Acting Manager Intelligence and Investigations Iain Bruce said the operation, codenamed Operation Talon, focused on detecting, investigating and dismantling fisheries crime.
'The illegal take, sale or theft of fish, which is public resource, threatens the sustainability of Victoria’s fisheries – traffickers encourage this behaviour and must be stopped,' Mr Bruce said.
'The black market unfairly competes with legitimately sourced product in the market place, compromises food safety and undermines the management of this public resource.
'Trafficking in priority fish species, such as abalone, rock lobster, southern bluefin tuna and Murray cod is an indictable offence, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and significant fines.'
It is anticipated that suspects will be charged with trafficking in commercial quantities of abalone.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected fisheries offences to 13 FISH (133474).
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