Western Cape police have intercepted a major drug haul at Cape Town International Airport, arresting a man carrying 5.1 kg of suspected cocaine, hidden in his check-in luggage and shirts, worth over R2.2 million.
The multi-agency operation followed intelligence gathered by members of the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau in Bellville, the Cape Town International Airport Anti-Smuggling Team, Crime Intelligence Gauteng, SARS Customs at Cape Town International Airport, and the Border Management Authority.
Acting on this intelligence, authorities intercepted a 35-year-old man arriving from Doha.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani said the man was found with 5.1 kg of suspected cocaine hidden in his check-in luggage, valued at over R2.2 million.
“The man was carrying 5.1 kg of a substance suspected to be cocaine in his check-in luggage concealed in his shirts worth over R2.2 million. Further surveillance was conducted, and the contact person (courier) (52), collecting the mule, was also identified and arrested.”
Both suspects are scheduled to make their first appearance at Bellville Magistrates’ Court on October 10.
The Star