Some said “urban legend” to what others called “common knowledge” that Knysna is a drug hub with trafficking through The Heads into the harbour that lacks port control. The latter prevailed when, on 10 December 2010, police made the biggest cocaine bust in South African history.

Over the past 10 months, the value of the haul fluctuated in the media but the courts have now placed the value at R515-million. If it had been cut and sold on the streets, it would have quadrupled to R2-billion.

Yesterday, 18 October 2011, the trial of the 6 accused began in the Knysna Circuit Court. Judge Erasmus, along with the accused, prosecution and defence, took a tour of the ski boat that was moored off Knysna Quays when caught (since seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit).

All the accused pleaded “not guilty”.