The illicit drug trade was dealt a heavy blow when Rural Flying Squad members confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R 920 000-00 during Safer Festive Season crime combatting operations at Donkin Road, Beaufort West.
On the night of 16 December 2021 at about 21:30, the members were strategically deployed along entry and exit points to the province when they conducted a vehicle check point where they stopped a delivery truck which was enroute to Cape Town.
Upon searching the vehicle they found 19 345 Mandrax tablets on board. The team subsequently arrested the 52-year-old driver on a charge of dealing in drugs.
Western Cape Provincial Detectives (Narcotic Section) is investigating the matter. Preliminary investigation revealed that the drugs were destined for delivery and distribution in the Cape Metropole.
The suspect remains in police custody.
He is expected to appear in the Beaufort West court on Monday, 20 December 2021 on the mentioned charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, applauded the members for their concerted efforts to eradicate drug trafficking as well as the distribution of drugs into communities.
He said: “the strategic deployment of resources along the highways of the Western Cape is yielding positive results. Our focus to rid communities of illicit drugs and firearms remains one of our key priorities. The heightened police visibility remains key to our operational approach. It would be sustained during this phase of the festive period to ensure that the public are and feel safe”.
