Cape Town - A Russian national accused of smuggling cocaine worth R252 million into the Western Cape has been nabbed after a police chase through the quiet town of Stilbaai along the Garden Route at the weekend.
The 39-year-old man, who was busted alongside his accomplice from Gauteng, was caught after he initially managed to escape during the chase.
Police spokesperson, Christopher Spies, said the escape was short-lived as police traced the suspects to a local establishment.
Spies said the dramatic arrest unfolded on Friday when police received a tip-off about suspicious activities at the Stilbaai Harbour.
“On Friday at about 6.50pm, Stilbaai officers operationalised information about suspicious activities at the
Stilbaai Harbour. While travelling the members spotted the vehicle with a rubber duck on the trailer, which fitted the description.
“The vehicle sped-off and a chase ensued.
“Police brought the vehicle, a Toyota Pajero, to a halt at Jongensfontein Road, Stilbaai, where the occupants got out and fled into the bushes.
“The members pursued the men and their freedom was short-lived when two men were tracked down and apprehended at a local accommodation establishment,” said Spies.
Spies said that when cops inspected the rubber duck, they discovered 14 bags containing 400 bricks of cocaine worth R252 million.
“The police seized the find, a Toyota Pajero and the rubber duck with the trailer.
“The suspects, a 48-year-old man from Gauteng and a 39-year-old Russian
national, are each facing a charge of dealing in drugs.
“They remain in police custody and will appear in court once charged,” Spies said.
An investigation into the origins of the drugs is now under way, and the case has now been transferred to the Hawks.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board called on the courts to deny any bail applications brought by the duo as the investigation unfolds.
Board spokesperson, Justin Kumlehn, said the most recent bust is a substantial blow to the illicit drug trade within the Western Cape.
“The actions and calibre of the officers involved in this operation give us hope in the SAPS and a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.
“The board calls on the justice system to deny bail to the suspects and ensure swift proceedings in their cases.
“These types of decisive actions by our law enforcement are essential in the fight against the scourge of drugs in our communities.
“We applaud the dedication and professionalism displayed by the officers, and we remain committed to working alongside the SAPS to create safer neighbourhoods for all,” said Kumlehn.
In March 2021, crime fighters in Saldanha Bay called on police to clamp down on all international vessels docking in the harbour after cocaine worth more than R500million was seized.
At the time, police revealed that 973 blocks of compressed cocaine with an estimated value of R583 million were found in three compartments of the vessel.
Police arrested 10 suspects from Bulgaria and Myanmar who were found on the ship.
Cape Argus