Latest news with #Cupido
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Standard Bank manager linked to international drug cartel
Kim Swartz | Updated 1 hour ago THE 115 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated street value of R18 million allegedly found in possession of a suspended Standard Bank manager were linked to multiple international cartels. This emerged when Lieutenant-Colonel Christiaan van Renen, the investigating officer, testified in the ongoing bail application by Raed Cupido. The 40-year-old was arrested on 10 June over the 115 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated street value of R18m, an AK 103 Rifle, Uzi Pro Rifle, five semi-automatic firearms and 130 rounds of ammunition inside a storage unit in Roeland Street. His alleged accomplice, Christopher Carlese, 38, was arrested just over a month later, on 13 July. He claims he wasn't at the scene that day but at his home in Kensington. During their recent application in the Cape Town Magistrates Court to apply for bail, the court heard that police officers have video footage, firearm links, and forensic evidence tying both to the drugs. According to court documents, Cupido immediately admitted to cops that the white powder was cocaine when they pulled up to the storage unit. Van Renen said forensic results confirmed the drugs were linked to multiple international cartels. He said Cupido and his co-accused were 'first receivers' for international drug cartels. 'I submit that the only reasonable inference that can be drawn from these facts is that (Cupido and Carelse) are so-called 'first-receivers' of the cocaine as it is smuggled into South Africa by international drug cartels. 'It was found that three of the firearms recovered were stolen during a business robbery in Boksburg in 2019. During the same robbery, 69 other firearms were also taken. 'The other four firearms are not registered on the firearm system of South Africa.' The court heard that Cupido rented unit 869 while Carlese rented unit 868, which are located next to each other. The court further heard that video footage was obtained of the storage unit from 22 April to 10 June, which showed Cupido exiting the lift on the ground floor and walking towards a white Polo on 9 May. Van Renen says: 'The final photograph depicts certain items found by the police inside storage unit 868 as it was laid out on the ground in front of the unit. 'The box is open and a white object is partially visible inside. To the left, next to the brown cardboard box, are two stacks of compressed cocaine bricks. 'The partially visible, white-coloured item inside the brown box has been identified as cocaine bricks that were found inside the brown cardboard box. 'I submit that the shape and dimensions of the box carried by [Cupido] when compared with the box found in [Carelse's unit] containing cocaine, are a match, according to my observations.' The court heard that when Cupido was arrested he was in possession of two iPhones and an Apple Watch which he refused to hand over, however a cyber warrant to gain access to data is underway. Cupido had cited the overcrowding in Pollsmoor as among the reasons he should be released on bail as these conditions posed a risk to his health. He has dismissed claims linking him to the drugs, saying he is a family man, soccer coach and businessman who's being framed in a R18 million cocaine bust case. The court previously heard that Cupido was pressured by an officer and former employee of alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his wife Nicole Johnson into admitting that the drugs were theirs in exchange for his freedom. The father of two who earns approximately R78 000-a-month, previously worked at British American Tobacco Group, Woolworths and Phillip Morris Group where he was employed as a commercial planning and development manager and flew across the world in this job. He also owns RADC Transport, a fleet company with 17 vehicles that earns R160 000 per month. He also owns properties in Rondebosch, Claremont and Green Point valued at over R20 million. The case was postponed to 1 August for arguments. Cape Times
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Standard Bank manager linked to international drug cartel
BUSTED: Cupido is seen exiting the lift with brown boxes Image: Supplied THE 115 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated street value of R18 million allegedly found in possession of a suspended Standard Bank manager were linked to multiple international cartels. This emerged when Lieutenant-Colonel Christiaan van Renen, the investigating officer, testified in the ongoing bail application by Raed Cupido. The 40-year-old was arrested on 10 June over the 115 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated street value of R18m, an AK 103 Rifle, Uzi Pro Rifle, five semi-automatic firearms and 130 rounds of ammunition inside a storage unit in Roeland Street. His alleged accomplice, Christopher Carlese, 38, was arrested just over a month later, on 13 July. He claims he wasn't at the scene that day but at his home in Kensington. During their recent application in the Cape Town Magistrates Court to apply for bail, the court heard that police officers have video footage, firearm links, and forensic evidence tying both to the drugs. According to court documents, Cupido immediately admitted to cops that the white powder was cocaine when they pulled up to the storage unit. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Video footage obtained of Cupido on 9 May at the storage unit Image: Supplied Van Renen said forensic results confirmed the drugs were linked to multiple international cartels. He said Cupido and his co-accused were 'first receivers' for international drug cartels. 'I submit that the only reasonable inference that can be drawn from these facts is that (Cupido and Carelse) are so-called 'first-receivers' of the cocaine as it is smuggled into South Africa by international drug cartels. 'It was found that three of the firearms recovered were stolen during a business robbery in Boksburg in 2019. During the same robbery, 69 other firearms were also taken. 'The other four firearms are not registered on the firearm system of South Africa.' The court heard that Cupido rented unit 869 while Carlese rented unit 868, which are located next to each other. The suspended senior banker is alleged to be a first receiver of the drugs from international drug cartels. Image: Supplied The court further heard that video footage was obtained of the storage unit from 22 April to 10 June, which showed Cupido exiting the lift on the ground floor and walking towards a white Polo on 9 May. Van Renen says: 'The final photograph depicts certain items found by the police inside storage unit 868 as it was laid out on the ground in front of the unit. 'The box is open and a white object is partially visible inside. To the left, next to the brown cardboard box, are two stacks of compressed cocaine bricks. 'The partially visible, white-coloured item inside the brown box has been identified as cocaine bricks that were found inside the brown cardboard box. 'I submit that the shape and dimensions of the box carried by [Cupido] when compared with the box found in [Carelse's unit] containing cocaine, are a match, according to my observations.' The court heard that when Cupido was arrested he was in possession of two iPhones and an Apple Watch which he refused to hand over, however a cyber warrant to gain access to data is underway. Cupido had cited the overcrowding in Pollsmoor as among the reasons he should be released on bail as these conditions posed a risk to his health. He has dismissed claims linking him to the drugs, saying he is a family man, soccer coach and businessman who's being framed in a R18 million cocaine bust case. The court previously heard that Cupido was pressured by an officer and former employee of alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his wife Nicole Johnson into admitting that the drugs were theirs in exchange for his freedom. The father of two who earns approximately R78 000-a-month, previously worked at British American Tobacco Group, Woolworths and Phillip Morris Group where he was employed as a commercial planning and development manager and flew across the world in this job. He also owns RADC Transport, a fleet company with 17 vehicles that earns R160 000 per month. He also owns properties in Rondebosch, Claremont and Green Point valued at over R20 million. The case was postponed to 1 August for arguments. Cape Times
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Standard Bank manager linked to international drug cartel
BUSTED: Cupido is seen exiting the lift with brown boxes Image: Supplied THE 115 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated street value of R18 million allegedly found in possession of a suspended Standard Bank manager were linked to multiple international cartels. This emerged when Lieutenant-Colonel Christiaan van Renen, the investigating officer, testified in the ongoing bail application by Raed Cupido. The 40-year-old was arrested on 10 June over the 115 bricks of cocaine worth an estimated street value of R18m, an AK 103 Rifle, Uzi Pro Rifle, five semi-automatic firearms and 130 rounds of ammunition inside a storage unit in Roeland Street. His alleged accomplice, Christopher Carlese, 38, was arrested just over a month later, on 13 July. He claims he wasn't at the scene that day but at his home in Kensington. During their recent application in the Cape Town Magistrates Court to apply for bail, the court heard that police officers have video footage, firearm links, and forensic evidence tying both to the drugs. According to court documents, Cupido immediately admitted to cops that the white powder was cocaine when they pulled up to the storage unit. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Video footage obtained of Cupido on 9 May at the storage unit Image: Supplied Van Renen said forensic results confirmed the drugs were linked to multiple international cartels. He said Cupido and his co-accused were 'first receivers' for international drug cartels. 'I submit that the only reasonable inference that can be drawn from these facts is that (Cupido and Carelse) are so-called 'first-receivers' of the cocaine as it is smuggled into South Africa by international drug cartels. 'It was found that three of the firearms recovered were stolen during a business robbery in Boksburg in 2019. During the same robbery, 69 other firearms were also taken. 'The other four firearms are not registered on the firearm system of South Africa.' The court heard that Cupido rented unit 869 while Carlese rented unit 868, which are located next to each other. The suspended senior banker is alleged to be a first receiver of the drugs from international drug cartels. Image: Supplied The court further heard that video footage was obtained of the storage unit from 22 April to 10 June, which showed Cupido exiting the lift on the ground floor and walking towards a white Polo on 9 May. Van Renen says: 'The final photograph depicts certain items found by the police inside storage unit 868 as it was laid out on the ground in front of the unit. 'The box is open and a white object is partially visible inside. To the left, next to the brown cardboard box, are two stacks of compressed cocaine bricks. 'The partially visible, white-coloured item inside the brown box has been identified as cocaine bricks that were found inside the brown cardboard box. 'I submit that the shape and dimensions of the box carried by [Cupido] when compared with the box found in [Carelse's unit] containing cocaine, are a match, according to my observations.' The court heard that when Cupido was arrested he was in possession of two iPhones and an Apple Watch which he refused to hand over, however a cyber warrant to gain access to data is underway. Cupido had cited the overcrowding in Pollsmoor as among the reasons he should be released on bail as these conditions posed a risk to his health. He has dismissed claims linking him to the drugs, saying he is a family man, soccer coach and businessman who's being framed in a R18 million cocaine bust case. The court previously heard that Cupido was pressured by an officer and former employee of alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his wife Nicole Johnson into admitting that the drugs were theirs in exchange for his freedom. The father of two who earns approximately R78 000-a-month, previously worked at British American Tobacco Group, Woolworths and Phillip Morris Group where he was employed as a commercial planning and development manager and flew across the world in this job. He also owns RADC Transport, a fleet company with 17 vehicles that earns R160 000 per month. He also owns properties in Rondebosch, Claremont and Green Point valued at over R20 million. The case was postponed to 1 August for arguments. Cape Times
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Suspended Standard Bank manager faces serious charges in R18 million cocaine bust linked to cartel
Suspended Standard Bank manager Raed Cupido and co-accused Christopher Brice Carelse appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Friday for a further bail application. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete A suspended Standard Bank retail manager and his alleged associate remain in custody following their arrest in what police are describing as a high-level drug trafficking investigation with suspected links to an international cartel and Colombian cocaine suppliers. Raed Cupido and Christopher Carelse appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Friday on charges relating to the possession and dealing of cocaine, possession of prohibited firearms, including an AK-103 assault rifle and a Uzi Pro machine pistol, and the unlawful possession of ammunition. Police estimate the drugs seized carry a street value of approximately R18 million. According to an affidavit submitted by Lieutenant-Colonel Christiaan Daniel Dirk van Renen of the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit, Cupido was arrested on 10 June 2025 after police received intelligence about suspicious activity at a Roeland Street storage facility in the Cape Town CBD. During a surveillance operation, Cupido was seen accessing one of the storage units. Officers approached him, and he allegedly gave verbal consent for the unit to be searched. Inside, they discovered a white, brick-shaped substance. When asked what it was, Cupido reportedly responded, 'cocaine'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He was immediately arrested. Keys found in his possession were used to access an adjacent unit, where officers later conducted a formal search under warrant. That unit, unit 869, contained a significant stash of 15 bricks of cocaine, high-calibre firearms and ammunition, including: An AK-103 assault rifle; a Uzi Pro machine pistol; five unlicensed semi-automatic pistols and 131 rounds of live ammunition. Two iPhones and an Apple Watch were seized from Cupido, and forensic extraction of data is ongoing. Investigators believe the digital evidence may further confirm links between the accused and broader organised criminal operations. In his affidavit, Van Renen stated that preliminary evidence points to the involvement of an organised transnational crime syndicate. He said the nature and quantity of the drugs, the type of weapons recovered, and intelligence from ongoing parallel investigations suggest a connection to South American cocaine networks, specifically Colombian suppliers. 'Given the quantities involved and the mode of storage, this operation bears the hallmarks of cartel-level activity,' Van Renen wrote. Cupido's alleged co-conspirator, Christopher Carelse, was arrested after further investigation linked him to the same facility and the storage of contraband. Surveillance footage and witness statements allegedly place both men at the scene at different times. The State contends that the two worked in concert as part of a larger operation. Authorities are opposing bail on the basis that both accused are flight risks, have access to significant criminal resources, and could potentially interfere with the investigation, which remains active and could result in further arrests. Cupido, through his attorney, has indicated he will plead not guilty. His legal team is expected to challenge aspects of the search and seizure procedures and dispute the allegations of cartel involvement. The case has been postponed to allow the continuation of the forensic investigation, including the analysis of digital devices and international communication records. The accused remain in custody.
IOL News
16-07-2025
- IOL News
Cape Town banker insists he's innocent amid R18 million cocaine bust
Senior bank manager Raed Cupido. Image: Supplied A Westridge man-turned-big-shot banker says he's not a drug dealer, but a family man, soccer coach and businessman who's being framed in a R18 million cocaine bust case. Raed Cupido, 40, was back in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Tuesday in a bid to apply for bail after a failed attempt to have the magistrate kicked off his case. He was busted on June 10, at a storage unit in Roeland Street, where cops allegedly found 15 bricks of cocaine, an AK-47, five 9mm pistols and a stash of ammunition. The court previously heard that Cupido was pressured by a cop and former employee of alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his wife Nicole Johnson into saying that the drugs were theirs in exchange for his freedom. Cupido, who has been suspended from his senior marketing executive job at Standard Bank since his arrest, says he grew up in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, but built his life through hard work. The accused, who earns approximately R78 000-a-month, previously worked at British American Tobacco Group, Woolworths and Phillip Morris Group where he worked as a commercial planning and development manager and flew across the world in this job. He also owns RADC Transport, a fleet company with 17 vehicles that earns R160 000 per month, and owns properties including in Rondebosch, Claremont and Green Point, valued at over R20 million. The accused states in his application that he is a family man who is married to a conveyance attorney and have two minor children, however, since he has been in prison their family trip to France was cancelled. Cupido states he is a well-respected soccer coach within the community and due to conditions at Pollsmoor prison being overcrowded and damaging to his health, he is appealing to be released on bail. He added that he has no previous convictions, pending matters, outstanding warrants, and is not a flight risk or danger to society. Meanwhile, co-accused Christopher Carelse who was arrested on 13 July, a manager at Shell Downstream SA said he was not present at the storage unit when the alleged drugs, firearms and ammunition was found. The court documents reads: 'I deny having any knowledge or involvement in the commission of this crime. I was arrested one month after the alleged discovery was made by the police." Cape Argus
