Truck en-route to Cape Town busted with over R30 million worth of cocaine
The Hawks Narcotics Enforcement Bureau acted swiftly and intercepted a truck carrying a container loaded with cocaine worth R30.4 million. The truck was en-route to Cape Town.
According to a South African Police Service (SAPS) statement, the truck was intercepted at a petrol station on the N1 in the early hours of Sunday 17 May.
MORE THAN 35 PACKAGES OF COCAINE FOUND
A search of the container took place and Hawks members discovered a total of 38 wrapped packages weighing one kilogram each.
“A 37-year-old suspect was arrested and the truck was also seized,” said Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase.
Preliminary investigations have established that the container carrying cocaine came from abroad and transited through different provinces before making its way to Cape Town.
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya has applauded the team for the arrest and drug seizure.
“This haul and many others that have been recently confiscated shows that the supply chains of organised criminal groups have been severed. May I also call upon the community not to support organised criminal groups by purchasing drugs as this demand will encourage the syndicates to find new ways of providing these dangerous substances,” said Lebeya.
The suspect, accused of transporting cocaine, is expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 19 May.
ECSTASY WORTH R6.3 MILLION DOCKS AT CAPE TOWN HARBOUR
Just last week on Thursday 14 May, the Hawks arrested a 30-year-old man at his home in Durbanville. This time, it wasn’t cocaine. The man was linked to a R6.3 million shipment of ecstasy that docked at the Cape Town harbour.
According to police, the haul of drugs was hidden in a consignment of furniture.
Following a joint intelligence-driven operation led by the Hawks’ Narcotics Enforcement Bureau, Crime Intelligence and SARS Custom Officials, the team found a container shipment loaded with MDMA — otherwise known as ecstasy powder — worth an estimated R6.3 million. They also found ecstasy tablets valued at R70 000.
“[It was] concealed within a consignment of furniture at Cape Town Harbour,” said Nkwalase.
“This shipment was allegedly destined for a residence in Durbanville from Europe. During the search at the house, the joint team confiscated approximately 1kg of Hydroponic Cannabis with an estimated street value of R120 000, as well as equipment used for the cultivation of Hydroponic Cannabis,” added Nkwalase.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Western Cape, Brigadier Mushavhaduvha Ramovha commended the joint team for uncovering a consignment of drugs. He further encouraged a multidisciplinary approach as the only way to curb the prevalence of drugs in the Western Cape province.
The case against the suspect is expected to be heard at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday 18 May.
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