Mpumalanga police have confirmed cocaine was indeed found in a truck, travelling to South Africa from Mozambique, at the Lebombo Port of Entry on Saturday.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said they ran tests to verify the type of drug. He added that the driver is still at large, but that the owners of the truck are co-operating with the investigating team.

Mohlala said the drugs, with an estimated value of R29.3m, were found in the truck that was intercepted at the Lebombo Border Post. The truck, with Gauteng registration plates, was declared to have a consignment of hairpieces.

“After the cargo was cleared, the truck was further inspected by customs officials. While the officials were busy, the driver disappeared, pretending he was going to contact the truck owner.

“He reportedly disappeared into thin air before the officials discovered 200kg of cocaine hidden inside the truck. Both the truck and the cargo were confiscated for further investigation.” said Mohlala, who added that the police were doing their best to locate the truck driver.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, was delighted with the interception made by customs officials. She said that since the port of entry was recently visited to evaluate the state of readiness before the festive season, all stakeholders have committed to ensure a holiday season free of crime, hence this major breakthrough.