National Police Commissioner welcomes the seizure of cocaine worth over R500 million and the arrest of ten suspects in Western Cape

PRETORIA – The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla Sitole has lauded the police in Western Cape for seizing cocaine valued at over R500 million from a fishing vessel on the Saldana coast on the evening of 1 March 2021.

Detectives from the Organised Crime Narcotics Unit led a multidisciplinary team, comprising various tactical units, on an intelligence-driven operation to a fishing vessel where they found 973 blocks of compressed cocaine. The drugs, estimated to be worth R583 million, were found hidden in three compartments of the vessel.

The team apprehended 10 suspects, four from Bulgaria and six from Myanmar. The suspects were charged with dealing in drugs and are expected to appear in the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court soon.

The National Commissioner has praised the team involved in the bust and has encouraged them to build a strong case to ensure that the suspects receive harsh sentences. “South Africa should not be used as a transit point or destination for the illicit drug trade. We have a responsibility of removing drugs from our streets. This is a welcome disruption and huge blow to drug organised crime,” said General Sitole.

Police in Western Cape have committed to continuing with investigations that will determine the origin and intended destination of the consignment.

We are appealing to anyone with information on the illicit drug trade to report it to the SAPS Crime Stop number 086 00 10111 or send tip-offs on MySAPS App. All information received will be treated with confidentiality.

Source: South African Police Service

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