Police in the Western Cape have confiscated more than R4.1 million worth of drugs on Friday after a Toyota Corolla was searched during a roadblock on the N1.
“A search of the vehicle ensued when a trained narcotic police dog reacted positively. This led to a thorough search of the motor vehicle when police detected a hidden compartment behind the back seat stashed with 11,880 kilogram of Tik.
“Police confiscated the drugs and arrested the driver on a charge of dealing in drugs” said police spokesperson, Sergeant Christopher Spies.
The strategic deployment of police and heightened visibility on major routes has shown positive results as members attached to Leeu Gamka police and Central Karoo K9 were deployed as part of various Safer Festive Season operations.
The 44-year-old suspect remains in police custody. He is expected to appear in the Prins Albert Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 28 on mentioned charge, Sergeant Spies adds.
Brigadier Johan Du Toit, Beaufort West Cluster Commander, thanked the members who left their families during the festive period to ensure a successful operation. He commended the joint effort with the Western Cape Provincial Traffic to curb drug trafficking along main routes into this region.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, has expressed gratitude and lauded the SAPS members as well as traffic officials involved with the bust. He said: “the eradication of drug trafficking along entry and exit routes of this province will continue unabated as we strive to rid communities of drugs.
“We welcome the continued deployment of our forces in collaboration with our counterparts to curb the influx of illicit drugs and goods into the province. This is an essential part of our Safer Festive Season operations. The heightened visibility would be maintained throughout the festive period in an effort to ensure that the public are and feel safe”.
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