WESTERN CAPE – The strategic deployment of various police units to curb the influx of drugs, firearms and illicit goods into the Western Cape once again dealt the illicit drug trade a heavy blow when an estimated R3 million worth of drugs were confiscated on the N1 near Beaufort West.
On Tuesday, 01 August 2023 at about 17:50, members attached to the Central Karoo K9, Crime Intelligence and Rural Flying Squad conducted crime prevention patrols along the highway when they spotted an Opel Corsa bakkie. The vehicle was pulled over and a thorough search ensued. The members discovered that the door panels of the vehicle was tampered with. The members removed the panels and found packets of Mandrax tablets stashed inside the door panels. Police confiscated 60 000 mandrax tablets and subsequently arrested the driver of the vehicle.
Preliminary investigation into the find reveals that the consignment was destined for delivery in the Cape Metropole.
The 57-year-old suspect from Harrysmith in the Free State remain in police custody and is expected to make his first court appearance in Beaufort West Magistrates’ court on Thursday, 03 August 2023. He faces a charge of dealing in drugs.
Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile applauded the members for their vigilance and commitment to eradicate drug trafficking. He said: “it remains a priority for police to rid communities of drugs which threatened the safety of the most vulnerable in society, especially woman and children. The confiscation of this consignment and arrest forms part of concerted efforts of police to eradicate track trafficking along highways, byways and secondary roads. We’ve sharpened our deployment in this regard and it is already bearing fruit”, says Lt Gen Patekile.
