The eradication of illicit drugs trafficking into the province remains key to the operational plan especially with the strategic deployment of members on the main entry and exit routes to the province to curb the prevalence thereof. This was evident when members confiscated 30 bags of Mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R1.5million during a routine check by members attached to the WC Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Section on Friday, 27 January 2023 in Beaufort West.
On the 27 January 2023 at about 09:30, members of the team was busy with routine vehicle checks along the N1 when they spotted a silver Toyota Corolla, parked at a petrol filling station with the driving acting suspiciously when he notices the members. They approached the driver who then offered them R400 to escort him past traffic officials patrolling the highway. The vigilant members arrested the suspect on a bribery charge and proceeded with a search of his vehicle and found 30 000 mandrax tablets in bags concealed in the boot and panels of the vehicle. Police confiscated the find and seized the vehicle.
The suspect remains in police custody. He is expected to make his first court appearance in the local court on Monday, 30 January 2023 on charges of dealing in drugs and bribery.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, praised those involved for their diligence and vigilance which led to the find. He also said, “Police will continue to deploy more boots on the ground to rid communities of drugs which poses a threat to the safety of our rural and vulnerable communities. Whilst we commemorate National Police Day, our members should at all times maintain a high standard of service delivery and endurance, whilst also taking care of their safety and wellbeing. This is of paramount importance not only to the police, but also to their families as well as the people of South Africa”, Lt Gen Patekile concluded.
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