Police on Thursday seized from a ship in Saldanha Bay 155kg of cocaine worth an estimated R325-million - the biggest quantity of cocaine seized in a single operation by South African police.
This is the second major cocaine bust by police in two weeks.
On July 20 police seized cocaine weighing 116kg with a value estimated at R250-million from the Malta-registered cargo ship, the Red Cedar, in Saldanha Bay.
Western Cape provincial commissioner Lennit Max said Thursday's operation aboard the Anangel Destiny, a bulk carrier, was still underway and there was a possibility more cocaine might be found.
The Anangel Destiny left Porta da Madeira in Brazil for North China on July 17.
Crew members who did a routine inspection of filters in the engine room on July 23 discovered a quantity of packets, presumably containing an illegal substance.
Cocaine aboard the Red Cedar had also been found while the crew were cleaning the vessel's intake filters.
Max said the packets were handed to the master of the Anangel Destiny who locked them away for safekeeping.
The owners and agents of the vessel, Anangel Shipping Enterprises, made contact with their representatives in Cape Town who contacted police attached to the organised crime unit in the Western Cape.
Max said the vessel's owners diverted the Anangel Destiny to Saldanha Bay.
A police task team including organised crime detectives, border police, the Airwing, along with police and navy divers, customs officials and a police sniffer dog was formed under the leadership of Director Andre van Dyk.
The team, accompanied by the owner's representatives in South Africa, boarded the vessel to conduct their search and seizure operation.
"Crew members of the ship were questioned during the operation so as to obtain evidence which could lead to the successful arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators," said Max.
"The captain and crew are not currently regarded as suspects."
He said the matter would be investigated with assistance from other police agencies through Interpol.
"Today's seizure and the earlier seizure can be regarded as a major victory in the fight against drugs in the global arena," said Max.
"Our message is clear to drug dealers around the world: We will continue to break your strongholds and will combine our efforts to make an international impact."
National police commissioner Jackie Selebi and Max both expressed their satisfaction with what the task team had achieved.
Max said police wished to thank the owners of the ship, its crew and their representative in Cape Town, as well as the Greek ambassador for their support and assistance during the operation. - Sapa