Three foreign nationals have been arrested with perly worth R2 million in Plumstead.
Cops also confiscated machinery at the house in Milford Road on Thursday night after receiving a tip-off.
The police’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) and members of a local security firm arrived at the house shortly after 10pm where shocked neighbours gathered, unaware of what had been happening right under their noses.
Police searched the house and found 19 097 units of abalone, and also removed machinery used for processing.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court today.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana says: “Three men, aged 24, 28 and 39 years old, were found in possession of the abalone at an address in Plumstead on July 26 at 10pm.”