On Tuesday, 8 February, at about 2:30pm, an estimated value of R4 million worth of dagga and mandrax was confiscated from a truck driver on the N1 near Laingsburg, who they assume was headed to Cape Town from Joburg.
According to SAPS, police members were deployed along exit and entry routes on Tuesday to curb the influx of illegal goods, including drugs, into the province.
They spotted and pulled over the suspicious truck. While approaching the vehicle, the members noticed the suspicious behaviour of the driver which put them on high alert.
A search of the vehicle ensued and led members to the find of more than 295 kilogram of dagga and 31 000 Mandrax tablets which were concealed on the trailer of the vehicle. The members confiscated the consignment and subsequently arrested the driver on a charge of dealing drugs.
A preliminary investigation into the origin of the substances found that the vehicle was travelling from Johannesburg. It is also believed that the consignment of drugs was destined for delivery in Cape Town.
45-year-old Mkhokheli Nkomo appeared in the Laingsburg Magistrates’ court on Wednesday, 9 February. He was remanded in custody, however, the matter was postponed to Wednesday, 16 February 2022 for a formal bail application.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile said: “Drug abuse remains a major threat to the safety of our most vulnerable in society, especially women and children. The concerted efforts by forces deployed along highways in this province with a specific focus on the eradication of illicit activities would go a long way in our endeavours to rid communities of drugs.”
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Picture: SAPS