WESTERN Cape Police's fight again drugs continues to bear fruits this after they confiscated 30 bags of Mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R1.5million.
Provincial police spokesman Sergeant Christopher Spies said the eradication of illicit drugs was done during the routine check by members attached to the WC Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Section on Friday, 27 January 2023 in Beaufort West.
He said on Friday at about 9:30 am, members of the team were busy with routine vehicle checks along the N1 when they spotted a silver Toyota Coroll parked at a petrol filling station with the driver acting suspiciously.
He said 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 said.
Spies said the accused is expected to make his first court appearance in the local court on Monday, 30 January on charges of dealing in drugs and bribery.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile has praised those involved for their diligence and vigilance which led to the find.
He 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," he said.
Patekile said this is of paramount importance not only to the police, but also to their families as well as the people of South Africa.
