Court Freezes Mercedes-Benz And VW Polo Used By Nigerian Nationals In Drug Smuggling

The North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng has granted two preservation orders for vehicles allegedly used in drug trafficking operations in Potchefstroom.

The orders — issued under Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) — preserve a white Mercedes-Benz and a red Volkswagen Polo that were allegedly modified and used to conceal and transport drugs.

Police Sting Leads to Arrests

According to North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, the preservation orders stem from two separate operations conducted by the Provincial Organised Crime and Drug Task Team in 2023.

The first incident occurred on 6 January 2023, in Bult, Potchefstroom, when officers stopped a white Mercedes-Benz driven by a Nigerian national. During a search, police allegedly discovered drugs hidden inside the vehicle. The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with dealing in drugs and possession of illicit substances.

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In another bust on 5 May 2023, along Promosa Road in Potchefstroom, the same task team intercepted a red Volkswagen Polo driven by another Nigerian national. A search of the vehicle revealed drugs concealed within the car’s structure. The driver was arrested, and the vehicle was confiscated.

Both vehicles were later found to have been deliberately modified to conceal drugs, confirming their use in the province’s cross-border drug smuggling operations.

Police and NPA Welcome Court’s Ruling

Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the Mahikeng High Court’s decision, commending both the police investigation teams and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) for their collaboration.

“The preservation orders send a strong message that criminals will not be allowed to benefit from or retain the tools they use to commit crime,” said Naidoo.

He added that the joint efforts between SAPS and the AFU are part of ongoing operations to dismantle organised drug syndicates operating in and around Potchefstroom.

The preservation orders mean that both vehicles will remain in state custody pending the outcome of final forfeiture proceedings, which could result in their permanent seizure by the state.

Naidoo concluded, “We are committed to ensuring that crime does not pay. Those who use luxury vehicles as tools for trafficking will lose both their freedom and their assets.”

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