GQEBERHA – A substantial consignment of cocaine, with an estimated street value of R65 million, has been seized by the police at a sea port in Gqeberha, marking another significant drug interception in South Africa.

According to South African Police Service (SAPS), the narcotics were found aboard a vessel that had arrived from Brazil. During a strategic operation on Thursday, 02 November 2023, members of the Gqerberha Sea Port acted on intelligence and conducted a search as the ship docked, discovering 35 blocks of compressed cocaine.

To date, no arrests have been connected to the seizure, and an investigation into the trafficking of drugs is ongoing. This latest confiscation is part of a series of successful drug busts by the police, with two previous substantial seizures in KwaZulu-Natal amounting to R150 million worth of cocaine.

General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of SAPS, has praised the diligent efforts of the police force. Gen Masemola highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence operations and the commitment of officers to crack down on criminal activities across the nation. He emphasized that South Africa would not tolerate being used as a haven for criminal enterprises.

Additionally, OPERATION SHANELA, conducted over the past six months, has resulted in the arrest of over 200,000 suspects for various serious crimes, including murder and rape.