A Boatload of Drugs: Suspect Arrested for Being in Possession of R400m Cocaine
- A 39-year-old was arrested by a multi-disciplinary team after being found in possession of 800kg of pure compressed cocaine with a high street value
- The drugs are reportedly worth R400 million and were stashed in a 12-foot ski boat that the suspect had attached to his bakkie and was towing
- The SAPS released a statement about the incident in Pretoria and stated that further investigations are ongoing and that arrests were imminent
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A suspect has been arrested after being found with 800kg of compressed pure cocaine with an estimated street value of R400 million. The 39-year-old was allegedly driving a bakkie that was towing a ski boat
The 12-foot ski boat was stopped by police after they received information. The drugs were found in the boat while it was being searched. The arrest happened on the N1 north near the R21 Flying saucer interchange in Pretoria.
A multi-disciplinary team made up of the Pretoria Serious Organised Crime, South African Narcotic Enforcement Bureau, Tactical Operations Management Section of the Hawks and the Crime Intelligence Head Office.
Source: Facebook
SAPS statement
According to the SAPS' media statement, investigations are ongoing and further arrests are imminent. Hawks head Lt Gen Godfrey Lebeya commended the team for their work in seizing the drugs. Lebeya stated that no stone should be left unturned and that illegal drugs in the country need to be addressed.
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Public response
Hlompho Maabane said:
"Well done, this is great work indeed. As communities the sooner we realise the importance of reporting illegal activities, we are heading for a better tomorrow."
Gosiame Sive wrote:
"Well-done! Now we want to see their trial and watch them being convicted! Enforce this at airports and protect our borders."
Jonty's Pictures commented:
"SAPS have done their job, now it is up to the courts to do theirs. Innocent until proven guilty, well, an arrest was made of the person towing the boat with the drugs. How much more proof do the courts need to refuse bail...Wait and see..."
Vino Swarts added:
"We must start looking at our borders, especially the Airports. That is where it passes through."
In other crime-related news, Briefly News recently reported that cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies have increased across South Africa with heists taking place daily. A number of attacks have taken place which made headlines in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
A national task team has been set up by the police to take steps to stop the attacks. The security industry is concerned by the current trend. Fidelity Security Services, Charnel Hattingh said that the attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated with highly organised syndicates targeting CIT vans according to the SABC.
Fidelity's internal investigation teams are working with the police. Hattingh said that the poor economic environment and high unemployment has exacerbated the situation.
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Source: Briefly News
