Eight suspects, allegedly linked to a R400 million cocaine bust, are expected to appear in the Belville Magistrate’s Court today on preliminary charges of dealing in drugs.
This comes as a result of a joint investigation by the Hawks, Australian Federal Police and the FBI.
Also read: R400 million cocaine bust – three arrested in Cape Town
On 2 June 2021, a suspect driving a bakkie pulling a trailer with a boat was arrested after 805 kilograms of cocaine were found concealed inside the hull of the vessel, on the N1 highway in Pretoria.
Several other suspects have subsequently been arrested.
This morning, Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, confirmed that an additional eight suspects, who have been identified as the members of an international drug trafficking organization, believed to be smuggling cocaine between South Africa and Brazil were taken into custody this morning after handing themselves over.
“A bakkie, trailer, three boats and a rubber duck, with a combined value of more than R18,6 million were seized,” Mogale confirmed. “Drugs and cash that were confiscated from the suspect have been forfeited to the State.”
“Sixteen more targets including an alleged kingpin, who is also sought in Belgium, have been identified as the investigation continues.”
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