Cape Town - The arrest of Serbian national Marko Ninic in a R252 million cocaine sting in Stilbaai has led to crime fighters calling on the government to safeguard harbours against drug cartels.
Heinrich Hartnick, chairperson of the Da Gamaskop Community Policing Forum cluster, said increased drug trafficking through small harbours needed urgent action.
This follows the arrest of two men by Stilbaai police in a tip-off about suspicious activities at the harbour on Friday.
At the time, Southern Cape police spokesperson Christopher Spies explained that the suspects initially escaped the clutches of police after fleeing in their vehicle during a chase, but their escape was short-lived as police traced the suspects to a local establishment.
Police recovered a rubber duck attached to a Pajero and during a search they discovered 14 bags containing 400 bricks of cocaine worth R252m.
Hartnick said the recent events have underscored a troubling trend as small coastal harbours are increasingly being utilised by foreign drug syndicates as entry points into local markets.
“The recent bust serves as a stark confirmation of this alarming reality.
“It reveals how these smaller ports are exploited by illegal syndicates for their operations.
“In response to this growing threat, we commend the decisive collaboration of the SAPS and all involved stakeholders for their successful operation in disrupting these criminal activities.
“By preventing these drugs from reaching our streets, they have demonstrated a critical commitment to public safety,” Hartnick said.
However, he said the situation demanded more than isolated victories as rural towns were under siege by drug lords.
“Our rural towns are already suffering under the grip of drug lords.
“Communities are pleading with authorities for more aggressive measures to combat this scourge.
“We urgently call upon the Minister of Police, the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Minister of Fisheries and the Minister of Public Works to take decisive action to shut down these drug syndicates.
“These syndicates are increasingly targeting our small coastal harbours.
“It is imperative that co-ordinated efforts are made to safeguard these entry points.
“It is also vital that we protect our communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking.”
Hartnick also called on the community to aid authorities by reporting all information on the syndicates to police.
The Cape Argus reached out to various national departments and according to the Department of Trade and Industry, the matter is crime related.
Representatives from the Fisheries Department indicated the security at harbours is being managed by the Department of Public Works, who indicated they will respond in coming days.
Meanwhile, the duo made their first appearance in the Riversdale Magistrate’s Court yesterday and were remanded in custody.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said Serbian national Ninic appeared alongside Allen Bushby from Midrand on charges of dealing in drugs.
“Their case was postponed to July 31, 2024 for a bail application,” said Ntabazalila.
Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said all ports of entry were monitored.
“A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach will be implemented to ensure that all aspects are covered in respect of deterring and preventing crime.
“All ports of entry are being monitored, and this also includes our harbours,” Mogotsi said.
In March 2021, Saldanha Bay residents called on police to clamp down on all international vessels docking in the harbour.
“This after cocaine worth more than R500m was seized.
At the time, police revealed that 973 blocks of compressed cocaine with an estimated value of R583m were found in three compartments of the vessel.
Police arrested 10 suspects from Bulgaria and Myanmar who were found on the ship.