A crime intelligence-driven police operation has led to the discovery of R20 million worth of cocaine at a smallholding in Blue Hills, Midrand, on Tuesday evening.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the bust was the result of a multidisciplinary operation led by Crime Intelligence Head Office, in collaboration with the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, Johannesburg K9 Unit, and members of the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).
The team had been following up on intelligence suggesting that a large consignment of drugs was being stored on the property.
“On further investigation, it was discovered that the drugs were brought into South Africa from a neighbouring country and were destined for Cape Town,” SAPS said in a statement.
Arrested on-site
During the search, police uncovered approximately 80kg of cocaine, concealed in a storage room on the premises.
A 56-year-old man, believed to be the owner of the property, was arrested on-site. The drugs were seized as evidence.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Midrand Magistrate’s Court later this week on charges of possession and dealing in drugs.
Police commended the coordinated effort that led to the seizure, describing it as another significant blow to the country’s illicit narcotics trade.
