‘Armed, dangerous’ suspect sought over multi-million rand drug bust

Police are searching for an “armed and dangerous” suspect over his alleged involvement in a R400-million drug bust on the N1 in Pretoria earlier this month.

Ahmad Isa (41) is being sought by the SA Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (Saneb), according to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase.

“An arrest warrant was issued on June 9, following his alleged links to a drug syndicate operating in South Africa stockpiling large quantities of cocaine before exporting it to other countries,” he said.

“The suspect is also wanted on an Interpol red notice issued in Antwerp, Belgium on charges of dealing in cocaine and money laundering.”

Nkwalase said Isa, who was also known as Pardilove Ariel and Mickey Paki, was last seen in the Camps Bay, Cape Town area, but could be “anywhere”.

“He is possibly armed and is considered dangerous. He evaded lawful arrest in his Cape Town residence on Saturday, June 12, when three of his accomplices were nabbed,” he explained.

Isa’s three alleged accomplices – Rafiek Baderoen (44), Rashied Baderoen (48) and Michael Norman (38) – were escorted to Pretoria from Cape Town under heavy police guard last week Friday.

The trio was expected to appear in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Monday, alongside Niel Pieter van Zyl (39).

Van Zyl was the first to be arrested following the drug bust in June on the N1 North, near the R21 flying saucer interchange.

Van Zyl’s formal bail application was initially postponed while he was remanded in police custody when he appeared for the first time in the same court on June 4.

Around 800kg compressed pure cocaine was recovered in a 12-foot ski-boat towed with a bakkie.

Anyone with information pertaining to Isa’s whereabouts can contact Warrant Officer Brittion on 082 778 2815 or Saneb section head Brigadier Naicker on 082 778 2818.