Police have seized a massive cocaine haul from a fishing vessel off the Saldanha coast on Monday evening.
In an extensive operation led by Western Cape organised crime narcotics unit detectives comprising various tactical operational units. The intelligence-driven, evening operation saw various tactical forces descending on the vessel where 973 blocks of compressed cocaine (estimated at R583 million) were found in three compartments of the vessel.
Ten suspects, four of Bulgarian descent and six from Myanmar were subsequently arrested on charges of dealing in drugs. They are expected to appear in court in Vredenburg soon. SAPS management has hailed the find as a step in the right direction in efforts to deal with the illicit drug trade.
Further investigations continue as the detectives determine the origins as well as the intended destination of the consignment.
