R11 million drug haul seized on N2 near Riviersonderend, foreign national arrested

A routine vehicle stop-and-search operation on the N2 near Riviersonderend has led to the seizure of drugs valued at an estimated R11 million and the arrest of a 37-year-old foreign national.

Western Cape police said officers conducting vehicle stop-and-search operations on Tuesday night intercepted a black Nissan Tiida travelling along the N2.

According to police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala, a search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of drugs concealed in the boot.

Gwala said police found 87 packets of mandrax tablets, 16 packets of uncut crystal meth and two blocks of cocaine.

The 37-year-old foreign national driver was immediately arrested on a charge of possession of drugs.

Police estimate the street value of the seized narcotics at approximately R11 million.

The man is expected to appear in the Caledon Magistrate’s Court once formally charged.

R200 million cocaine seizure at OR Tambo

On the same day, police at OR Tambo International Airport, working alongside Customs officials and other law enforcement authorities, seized cocaine worth an estimated R200 million during two separate operations at the airport.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the first interception involved two large travel suitcases discovered at the airport terminal.

“The suitcases contained blocks of suspected cocaine weighing approximately 84 kilograms,” she said.

Four boxes containing approximately 250kg of suspected cocaine, packed into 220 blocks, were also seized at the cargo section.

“The combined estimated street value of the seized cocaine is more than R200 million.”

Mathe said no arrests had been made at this stage.

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