The Hawks seized cocaine worth R9 million after it was smuggled in an imported tractor and then moved from the Port of Durban to an inland warehouse this week.
Hawks members and officers from the Pietermaritzburg Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit seized the 20 bricks of cocaine in an industrial park near Pietermaritzburg, according to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo.
“Members received information about a truck that was carrying a chemical crop sprayer tractor from Durban harbour to Free State province. A disruptive operation was swiftly conducted and members proceeded to the said industrial park,” Mhlongo said.
“The truck was traced and found stationary. A search was conducted and members found 20 bricks of cocaine hidden inside the chemical sprayer bin.”
Police obtained a detailed statement from the driver of the vehicle carrier.
“No arrest has been made at this stage. The investigation continues,” he said.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major Lesetja Senona, welcomed the drug seizure and commended the officers for their good work.
