Eight suspected cocaine smugglers appeared in the Bellville Magistrates court on Tuesday.
Authorities linked them to a R400 million drug bust in Pretoria last year, where a separate suspect was caught travelling with more than 800 kilograms of cocaine.
According to The Hawks, the eight suspects — who are believed to be members of an international drug trafficking ring — handed themselves over to authorities, on Tuesday morning.
The Hawks spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, says several valuables, drugs, and money were seized from the suspects.
“Eight further suspects who are allegedly smuggling cocaine between South Africa and Brazil were arrested [on Tuesday], after handing themselves over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. A bakkie, trailer, three boats and a rubber duck with a combined value of more than R18,6 million; seized drugs and cash that was seized from the suspect have been forfeited to the State.
Sixteen more targets, including an alleged kingpin who is also sought in Belgium have been identified. The investigation is ongoing.”
