Narcotics worth over R85 million were seized at the Port of Ngqura in the Eastern Cape, following an intelligence-driven operation over the weekend, according to a statement released yesterday by a joint law enforcement agency task force.
“The multi-disciplinary integrated operation by the Ports of Entry team on Sunday pounced on a vessel from Ecuador, South America, following intelligence that two containers were suspected of having narcotics on board,” said South African Police Service (Saps) spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale.
She said the team – which included Customs Investigations, the K9 unit and Saps Border Police – acted quickly to trace and secure the two containers that were destined for Cape Town.
According to Mogale, the drugs were found in a refrigeration unit, in a hidden compartment behind cartons of bananas that had been listed on the bill of lading.
“A total of 85 bricks of cocaine, with an approximate weight of 85kg and an estimated street value of R85 millio, were seized,” she said.
