A seemingly ordinary pilot from Stellenbosch has been revealed to be at the centre of a massive international cocaine smuggling operation, culminating in a deadly crash in Brazil. Timothy James Clark, a 46-year-old Australian, known for his relaxed demeanour and frequent visits to the Sling factory in Alberton, was living a double life that shocked even seasoned investigators.
Clark's operation involved flying his Sling aircraft across continents, amassing a fortune by transporting cocaine. His final flight ended tragically when his plane crashed into a sugar cane field near Couripe, Brazil, carrying 200 kilograms of cocaine worth approximately R920 million. Brazilian police, who had been monitoring his movements for months, closed in after the crash.
Investigators believe that Clark was attempting to transport another shipment of drugs to Africa. He had allegedly made numerous transatlantic flights in the same plane, stopping in Namibia and South Africa before refueling in Brazil for subsequent runs. To accommodate extra fuel and cargo, Clark removed three of the Sling 4's four seats and replaced them with long-range tanks, installed in Alberton, enabling his marathon flights. He reportedly earned around R8.6 million for each successful journey.
Even the packaging of the cocaine was noteworthy, with bricks wrapped in fake SpaceX branding – a tactic used by drug syndicates to disguise their product. Records indicate that Clark purchased the Sling three years ago, registering it under Mindframe Creations.
Key Details of the Smuggling Operation:
- Pilot: Timothy James Clark, 46-year-old Australian
- Aircraft: Sling 4, modified with long-range fuel tanks
- Cargo: 200 kg of cocaine
- Value: Approximately R920 million
- Route: Transatlantic, with stops in Namibia, South Africa, and Brazil
- Packaging: Fake SpaceX branding