Russian man among arrested for illicit drug trade in S Africa

JOHANNESBURG: A Russian man was arrested along with a South African man for illicit drug trading in the country’s Western Cape province, police said Saturday.

Police seized 14 bags filled with bricks of cocaine worth 252 million rands (almost $14 million) in Still Bay, almost 350 kilometres southeast of Cape Town on Friday night.

Officers spotted the suspects’ car after receiving a tip-off about suspicious activities near the town’s harbour, the South African Police Services (SAPS) said in a statement.

“The vehicle sped off and a chase ensued. Police brought the vehicle, a Toyota Pajero, to a halt where the occupants got out and fled into the bushes” before eventually being caught.

A probe into the matter has been launched.

“The suspects, a 48-year-old man from Gauteng and a 39-year-old Russian national, remain in police custody” SAPS said. The pair will appear in court once they are charged, authorities said.