From the Department of Primary Industries

December 6th, 2007

SURVEILLANCE NETS TWO ALLEGED ABALONE THIEVES

A surveillance operation near Cann River has resulted in three New South Wales men
facing charges of trafficking and commercial possession of abalone.

Operation KELT was a joint operation involving Gippsland Fisheries officers and the Victoria
Police.

Police and the Fisheries Officers intercepted the men, near Cann River, in the early hours of
Wednesday morning.

It’s alleged they were caught with more than 400 abalone meats with a total weight of 70
kilograms.

The men have been released on bail.

Senior Fisheries officer, Tim Hutton, said the men were facing serious charges for which a
maximum sentence of 10 years jail may apply.

“We will be alleging they have taken a community fish resource for personal gain,” Mr Hutton said.

“This type of theft threatens the resource, legitimate business and recreational diving
opportunities.”

Mr Hutton urged members of the community to report fisheries offences to 13 3474 (13-FISH)