Cops seize cocaine worth R48m in Western Cape

Police have seized cocaine worth an estimated R48 million at a premises in the Western Cape.

It is understood, members attached to the Bishop Lavis Saps acted on information received about a possible drug consignment at the premises situated at the Airport Industria.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said the cocaine bust has dealt a major blow to the lucrative drug trafficking trade.

Cocaine

“Saps members, with the assistance of metro police and other law enforcement agencies pounced on the premises on Tuesday, 18 April, and a search ensued. A container was discovered with 16 boxes containing 140 sealed bricks of cocaine with an estimated value of R48 million.

“The members seized the find weighing approximately 1kg each and booked it in as evidence,” Pojie said.

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Pojie said investigations are continuing.

“An inquiry docket was opened for further investigation even though no arrest has been made as yet. The provincial detective’s organised crime narcotics section has been assigned to investigate the circumstances and possible origin and destination of the drugs.”

The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape police, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile has commended all those involved in the drugs bust and eradicating the spread and illegal trafficking of drugs in the Western Cape.

Drugs bust

Earlier this week, Western Cape police arrested a 60-year-old man who was found in possession of an alleged haul of heroin worth an estimated R3.7 million in Klawer.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the man was nabbed when members of Operation Restore, along with traffic officials, stopped and searched a vehicle with a trailer at the Klawer weighbridge.

“Upon an extended search of the Jetta, the members found 50 more bags possibly containing heroin hidden in the back seat of the vehicle. The estimated street value of the drugs is R3.7 million,” Twigg said.

Additional reporting  by Thapelo Lekabe

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