Midrand raid leads to seizure of R20 million cocaine bound for Cape Town
A 56-year-old man has been arrested after police discovered 80 kilograms of cocaine worth R20 million hidden in a storage room at a plot in Blue Hills, Midrand.
Image: SAPS
A crime intelligence operation has led to the seizure of R20 million worth of cocaine at a smallholding in Midrand, Gauteng.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that the operation took place on Tuesday evening, following up on tips about drugs being stored at a property in Blue Hills.
The operation involved a multidisciplinary team, including the Gauteng organised crime unit, the SAPS Johannesburg K9 unit, and the local criminal record centre.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the drugs had been brought into South Africa from a neighbouring country and were destined for Cape Town in the Western Cape.
During the search of the property, police discovered cocaine weighing about 80 kilogrammes hidden in a storage room on the identified plot.
A 56-year-old man, who is believed to be the owner of the plot, was arrested. The cocaine, with an estimated street value of R20 million, was seized as evidence.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Midrand Magistrate’s Court later this week on possible charges of possession of drugs and dealing in drugs.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest and seizure, adding that the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between police units in tackling organised crime.