Hawks seize cocaine worth R16 million at Durban harbour
The Hawks have seized R16 million worth of cocaine at the Durban Harbour. The drugs reportedly came all the way from Brazil, South America.
On Monday 4 May, members of the Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence and the SARS Tactical Intervention Unit (TIU) conducted a covert inspection after they received information about a container that was loaded with drugs inside a vessel from South America.
An investigation into the tip-off led to a shocking discovery.
CONTAINER SUSPECTED OF HOLDING R16M WORTH OF COCAINE
According to a South African Police Service (Saps) statement released on Tuesday 12 May, inter-agency teams worked together and ensured that the targeted container was identified and upon opening it, found that there were other contents.
While inspecting the container, a hidden compartment was discovered and inside, wrapped packages were found.
“Upon removing some of the panelling, the team discovered wrapped packages. The panelling was removed and a total of 32 cocaine bricks weighing approximately 1.1 kilograms were discovered inside the hidden compartment,” said Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo.
The street value, for now, is R16 million but according to police, the number could increase.
“The street value of the seized drugs is approximately R16 million as per current corona embargo, however, the seized cocaine once diluted and mixed with other harmful substances, would have increased considerably in value in the streets,” added Mhlongo.
No arrests have been made at this stage, however, investigations are continuing.
DURBAN MAGIC MUSHROOM BUST
Apart from the cocaine bust, justice took its course for a 38-year-old man who was caught operating a magic mushroom laboratory in his Durban home.
The man appeared in court on Wednesday 29 April. Several different types of magic mushrooms were found at the property, and they came with an estimated street value of just under half-a-million rand.
“On Tuesday, 28 April 2020, the joint team conducted an operation at Amanzimtoti area after information was received about a suspect who was dealing in magic mushrooms. Police swooped in the suspect’s premises and a search was conducted,” said a Saps statement.
“During the search, members discovered a complex clandestine magic mushrooms laboratory. Numerous species in different forms and state of grow were also discovered at the premises. The estimated street value of the drugs is at least R448 000. The team also seized cash suspected to be proceeds of crime. The suspect was arrested and charged accordingly,” it added.
No comments: