Cocaine worth R400 million seized in Gauteng
Upon searching a boat, the law enforcement team found 800kg of compressed pure cocaine with an estimated street value of R400 million
PRETORIA, June 2 (ANA) – Different law enforcement units in Gauteng on Wednesday pounced on a vehicle and seized 800 kilogrammes of “compressed pure” cocaine with an estimated value of R400 million.
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [Hawks] national spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said one person was arrested.
“A 39-year-old suspect has been arrested on the N1 north near the R21 Flying saucer interchange by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the South African Narcotic Enforcement Bureau (SANEB head office), Pretoria Serious Organised Crime, Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) of the Hawks with the assistance of Crime Intelligence [unit] head office,” Mogale said.
“It is alleged that a bakkie that was towing a 12-foot ski boat was stopped after information was received. Upon searching the boat the team found 800kg of compressed pure cocaine with an estimated street value of R400 million. Investigations are continuing and more arrests are imminent,” the Hawks spokesperson said.
The Hawks national head, Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya lauded the law enforcement team that made the major drug bust.
“Today’s drug seizure has dealt a blow to these illegal activities. Let us not leave any stone unturned in addressing the proliferation of illegal drugs within the country,” Lebeya said.
In April, the South African Police Service cracked the whip on the drug trade and drug use in KwaZulu-Natal, seizing millions in heroin, crystal meth, cocaine, methcathinone, other drugs and paraphernalia.
In one major drug haul, Haji Amanzi, 26, and Morisey Mwakasala, 44, were arrested after they were speeding on the N3 towards Durban. When police stopped their vehicle and searched it, drugs were found in a hidden compartment.
Police seized 22 bags containing heroin, crystal meth and R5,000 in cash. The estimated street value of the recovered drugs was more than R3 million. The men appeared in the Camperdown Magistrate’s Court for drug dealing.
African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Naomi Mackay