Drugs with an estimated value of R29.3m were found in a truck, entering South Africa from Mozambique, which was intercepted at the Lebombo Port of Entry in Mpumalanga on Saturday.

According to a statement by police, the driver of the truck (with a Gauteng registration) declared his consignment as hair pieces.

After the cargo was cleared, the truck was handpicked for further inspection by customs officials. While officials were busy, the driver absconded under the pretence that he was going to contact the truck owner.

“He disappeared into thin air before officials discovered 200kg of suspected drugs (cocaine) hidden inside the truck. Both the truck and the cargo were confiscated for further investigation,” says Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.

No arrests have been made, but the police said they are doing their best to locate the truck driver as well as the truck owner.

The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, was delighted with the interception made by customs officials.

She further mentioned that ever since the port of entry was visited to evaluate the state of readiness before the festive season recently, all stakeholders have committed to ensure a festive season that is free from crime, hence this breakthrough.