Pacaltsdorp SAPS confiscates R15 000 worth of drugs

Concerted efforts by the Pacaltsdorp Crime Prevention Unit and the proper management of their informers’ network yielded excellent results when they arrested a 47-year old suspect and confiscated a substantial amount of drugs in Beach Road Pacaltsdorp, George on Sunday, 07 August 2022.

Members acted on a tip-off from an informers and did a stakeout on a well-known local drug paddler operating in the Vleie in Beach road. At approximately 16:20, members spotted the suspect as he exited a house in the Vleie, carrying a backpack after various suspicious individuals visited the house. Members were in pursue of the suspect when he disappeared into an empty shack. Members ensued with a search and found the backpack hidden inside the empty shack. Upon further inspection of the backpack, they found a total of 16 halves and 202 Mandrax tablets as well as 15-grams of Tik that were concealed inside the lining of the backpack.

The find was confiscated as evidence and the 47-year-old suspect was arrested on the spot. The suspect was charged with the Illegal Possession of Illicit Drugs and is due to make his first court appearance in the George Magistrates’ court today, Monday, 08 August 2022.

Garden Route District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, commended the members for their efforts to remove drugs which threatens the safety of communities from the streets.

Meanwhile two suspects, 22-and-50-year-old, both from Durban, appeared in the Oudtshoorn magistrates’ court earlier today following their arrest on Saturday, 06 August 2022 at about 18:45 on the N-1 / Prince Albert Road near Laingsburg when illicit drugs estimated at approximately R2-million were found in their possession by officials from the Provincial Traffic department .

Preliminary investigation indicates that officials attached to Provincial Traffic conducted routine vehicle checks near Laingsburg on Saturday, 06 August 2022 when they pulled over a Chevrolet Utility bakkie. Both occupants of the vehicle acted suspiciously which prompted officials to proceed with a search of the bakkie. During the search it was discovered that the rear panels of the bakkie had been tampered with. An extensive search led to the discovery of 40 000 Mandrax tablets which were concealed inside the panels which form part of the body. The drugs were confiscated and both occupants subsequently arrested.

Further investigation into the find reveals that the vehicle was en-route from Durban and that the consignment was destined for delivery and distribution in the Cape Metropole.

The accused, aged 22 and 50, both from Durban, earlier today, Monday, 08 August 2022, appeared in the Oudtshoorn magistrates’ court on a charge of Dealing in Illicit Drugs. This matter was postponed to 16 August 2022 for a formal bail application. They were remanded in custody.

Western Cape Provincial Detectives Organised Crime Narcotics Section, which is based in Beaufort-West, is probing the matter.

The Provincial police management in the Western Cape praised the collaborative efforts by police and traffic to curb the prevalence of drugs in communities. These combined efforts between SAPS and Law enforcement agencies will go a long way to safeguard communities within the boundaries of the Western Cape and beyond, Lt Gen T Patekile concluded.

Source: South African Police Service