A high-stakes drug bust rocked Cape Town as Raed Cupido, a suspended retail manager at Standard Bank, and his alleged accomplice Christopher Carelse were arrested in a major narcotics operation linked to a Colombian cocaine cartel.
The Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit’s intelligence led to a raid on a storage facility on Roeland Street, uncovering a staggering 15 kilograms of pure cocaine valued at around R18 million. Alongside the drugs, authorities seized lethal firearms, including an AK-103 assault rifle and a Uzi Pro machine pistol—clear signs of cartel-level sophistication.
Cupido was first apprehended on June 10, 2025, after surveillance footage captured him handling a box containing the cocaine a month prior. Subsequent investigations connected Carelse to the operation, suggesting the pair’s involvement in a sophisticated international trafficking network.
Lieutenant-Colonel Christiaan Daniel Dirk van Renen highlighted in court affidavits the unmistakable ties to South American criminal syndicates. “The hallmarks of cartel-level activity are evident,” he remarked, pointing to the scale of drugs and weaponry involved.
Both men appeared in Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on July 18, facing charges including drug possession, trafficking, and unlawful firearm possession. The State opposes bail, labeling the suspects as high flight risks with access to extensive criminal resources.
Standard Bank confirmed Cupido’s suspension pending the investigation’s outcome, while law enforcement continues probing the full extent of the cartel’s local operations.
