In a significant blow to the illicit drug trade, the police in the Central Karoo District, Western Cape confiscated drugs with an estimated value of R660,000.
The operation led to the arrest of a 28-year-old Zimbabwean national, who made his first court appearance on Friday, 22 March 2024.
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The incident took place on Wednesday, 20 March 2024, when members of the Flying Squad conducted vehicle checkpoints along the N1 highway near Prince Albert.
During the operation, a passenger bus en-route to Cape Town was pulled over. A search of the bus led to the discovery of a carton containing two bags. Upon inspection, the bags were found to contain 7,000 mandrax tablets and 2,083 ecstasy tablets, with an estimated value of R660,000.
The drugs were linked to a passenger on board the bus, who was subsequently arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs. In an unrelated incident earlier in the week, on 19 March 2024, members of the Groot Brakrivier police stopped a red Mercedes Benz on Long Street.
As they approached the vehicle, one of the occupants fled on foot. The police gave chase and apprehended the suspect. A search of the suspect led to the confiscation of 785 matrix tablets.
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The 50-year-old suspect was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs. The Western Cape police management commended the vigilance of the officers involved in both operations, which resulted in the removal of drugs from the streets.
This recent arrest of a Zimbabwean national highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
