The Hawks are on the hunt for a Lithuanian man in connection with a R400 million cocaine bust last month.
Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase, says the major drug haul which resulted in the arrest of three Western Cape men has expanded into a search for Donates Jukna, who went missing at the same time one of his co-accused was busted at OR Tambo Airport last month.
In the first arrest, the Hawks along with the FBI and the Australian Federal police nabbed Niel Peter van Zyl, 39, who was found with the stash on the N1 highway in Pretoria.
During the investigation it was revealed that the drugs were being stored in Gauteng for international drug cartels and the team came to Strand where they arrested residents Rafiek Baderoen, 44, Rashied Baderoen, 48, and Michael Norman, 38.
They later also arrested Tenikaitis Valdas at OR Tambo airport as he tried to flee the country.
Nkwalase says the Hawks are now on the hunt for Jukna along with Bulgarian fugitive, Ahmed Isa.
“Jukna, who is in his early thirties and a Lithuanian national, was last seen in Gauteng, in the East Rand Mall vicinity on 6 June.
“He was destined to fly out from OR Tambo that same evening but cancelled his ticket.
“It is believed that he is still in the country. A warrant of arrest was issued against him in June.
“He is a second fugitive sought by the Hawks for alleged links to the drug haul found on the N1 highway. Ahmed Isa also remains at large.”
The case against five of the suspects was postponed to 20 and 21 July for bail application.
Anyone with information about the fugitives can call Warrant Officer Brittion on 082 778 2815 or Brigadier Naicker on 082 778 2818.
monique.duval@inl.co.za