The South African Police Services made a huge breakthrough in their fight against illegal drug trafficking when they seized 1 363 kilograms of drugs, believed to be heroin, at the Beit Bridge border post on Monday, February 18.
The drugs were found hidden in a false compartment of a truck during a routine check. Members of the SAPS, as well as customs officers of the South African Revenue Services, stopped the truck and trailer coming across the border from Zimbabwe. The truck and trailer were empty, but on closer inspection, police members discovered a false compartment in which the drugs were hidden. Police narcotics dogs also reacted positively to the false compartment.
Upon opening the compartment, police found 47 bags, each weighing about 29 kilograms, of yellowish/pink powder. Initial sample tests were done on site, which revealed that the powder was heroin, although further forensic testing is needed to confirm this. The total street value of heroin in this quantity is estimated at about R750 million.
Two South African nationals, including the driver, were arrested and will face drug-dealing and other related charges. To date, this drug seizure is one of the biggest at any land port of entry in South Africa.