The 39-year-old man arrested in connection with the R400-million drug bust made earlier this week was remanded in police custody following an appearance in court on Friday.

Neil Pieter van Zyl appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on a charge of dealing in drugs.

“The matter was postponed to 11 June for bail application,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Manhanjana said.

This after van Zyl was arrested along the N1 North, near the R21 flying saucer interchange, when police followed up on information they received on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the large quantity of drugs was recovered in a boat, which was being towed by a bakkie.

“It is alleged that a bakkie, which was towing a 12-foot ski-boat, was stopped after information was received. Upon searching the boat, the team found 800kg of compressed pure cocaine with an estimated value of R400-million.”

Mogale added that while investigations continued, more arrests were “imminent”.

Meanwhile, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, commended the team involved for the arrest.

“The drug seizure has dealt a blow to these illegal activities. Let us not leave any stone unturned in addressing the proliferation of illegal drugs,” national investigation head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said.

Aside from the Hawks, the SA Narcotic Enforcement Bureau, Pretoria Serious Organised Crime and Tactical Operations Management Sections were said to have been involved in the arrest.