Slovak police announce record cocaine seizure

Slovak police on Wednesday announced their biggest ever cocaine seizure, a haul of 163.8 kilograms (360.4 pounds) with a street value of around 1.638 billion koruna (about R541-million).

Pure cocaine was discovered hidden in 420 wine bottles at a warehouse in the southwest region of Dunajska Streda after being transported from South America via the German port of Hamburg, customs director Jozef Dudas told a news conference.

"During checks we found that some of the bottles contained at first sight another liquid than wine," Dudas said, adding that follow-up tests confirmed their suspicion that cocaine was present.

Bratislava - Slovak police on Wednesday announced their biggest ever cocaine seizure, a haul of 163.8 kilograms (360.4 pounds) with a street value of around 1.638 billion koruna (about R541-million).Pure cocaine was discovered hidden in 420 wine bottles at a warehouse in the southwest region of Dunajska Streda after being transported from South America via the German port of Hamburg, customs director Jozef Dudas told a news conference.
"During checks we found that some of the bottles contained at first sight another liquid than wine," Dudas said, adding that follow-up tests confirmed their suspicion that cocaine was present.
"It is the biggest amount of cocaine seized on Slovak territory until now," added Slovak police vice-president Michal Kopcik.
Police refused to reveal details of persons or companies incriminated by the seizure, saying it could harm the investigation. If convicted, the accused could face sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
Landlocked Slovakia is rarely the location for major cocaine hauls. The drug is usually shipped through, and sometimes seized, in Spain and Portugal.
"It is the biggest amount of cocaine seized on Slovak territory until now," added Slovak police vice-president Michal Kop