A 32-year-old female from Southern Tasmania has been charged with the illegal trafficking of approximately 220kg of abalone meat with an approximate value of $30,000 after an investigation spanning the last six months by members of Tasmania’s Marine police.

Police will allege that abalone was freighted to Sydney over a period of months.

The investigation involved cooperation with New South Wales Fisheries authorities who seized the illegal consignment of abalone in Sydney.   A male person involved in the collection of the abalone in Sydney will be proceeded against for his part in the enterprise.

“This case highlights the efforts Tasmania Police will take to protect a valuable industry to the State and represents a significant case in terms of the amount of abalone meat involved,” said Inspector Ross Paine, the Officer in Charge of Marine and Rescue Services.

The woman will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on the 1 August 2011 to answer charges of trafficking abalone, the unlawful possession of abalone and possessing excess quantities of abalone.

Investigations are continuing and it is anticipated that further people will be charged.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2296