Hawks nab sixth drug syndicate suspect

Published Aug 16, 2021

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Cape Town - A sixth suspect will appear in court on Monday after he was nabbed in connection with a R400 million cocaine bust, while three other suspects still remain at large.

The Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) arrested the 48-year-old suspect in Strand following further investigation into the drug consignment discovered in Pretoria in June 2021, said Hawks spokesperson Philani Nkwalase.

“This now brings a total of six suspects arrested for their alleged involvement in the drug syndicate. The additional suspect was arrested in Strand, Cape Town following further investigation by the team into a case where 805kg cocaine worth an estimated R400 million was uncovered hidden in a hull of a boat on the N1 highway on June 2,” said Nkwalase.

According to Nkwalase, the suspect was surveilled and arrested on Friday at a warehouse in Asla Park which was identified as a storage facility used by the syndicate.

“Two boats were also discovered on the premises of which one was being modified with concealed compartments. The same Garden Master bags that were used to conceal the cocaine in the Lyttleton case were allegedly found on the boat,” said Nkwalase.

The man is expected to make his first court appearance today at the Pretoria Central Magistrate Court before he will join five other accused - Niel Pieter Van Zyl (39), Rafiek Baderoen (44), Rashied Baderoen (48), Michael Norman (38) and Tenikaitis Valdas (57) - when they appear at the same court on August 23, 24 and 25 for formal bail applications.

Israeli national, Ahmed Isa also known as Mickey, along with two Lithuanian nationals, Donates Jukna and Jonas Zulpa are still at large.

A warrant of arrest was issued for Isa - also known as Pardilov Ariel and Micky Paki - for his alleged links to the drug syndicate and is considered armed and dangerous while he is also sought by Interpol after he was placed on Red Notice in Antwerp, Belgium for dealing in cocaine and money laundering.

“He evaded lawful arrest in his Cape Town residence on June 12, 2021 when three of his accomplices were nabbed,” Nkwalase had said.

Any information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects can be reported to the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Brittion on 082 778 2815 or the Section Head of SANEB Brigadier Naicker on 082 778 2818.

Cape Times

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