South African police have seized cocaine worth more than R15 million (about US$784,000) at the Indian Ocean port of Richards Bay from a ship that had come from Colombia.
A spokesperson for South Africa’s Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations, also known as the Hawks, said on Monday that the bust followed an anonymous tip-off received by his unit.
“It was indicated the vessel was importing iron to South Africa and it was also carrying drugs,” Simphiwe Mhlongo told reporters.
He added: “A search was conducted on arrival of the vessel and blocks of cocaine to the street value of R15m were found.”
The operation was coordinated by the Hawks and included South African Revenue Services officials and members of the US Drug Enforcement Agency.
JN/APA