BLOEMFNTEIN – The police in Bloemfontein’s crackdown on the drug dealing trade has culminated in a major recovery of drugs, in addition to arrests made. The recovered drugs with an estimated value of R700 000 were confiscated during the arrest of four suspected dealers within 24 hours in the police’s Anti-Gang unit’s anti-dealer campaign in Heidedal.
The anti-drug operation was conducted over the weekend of Saturday 14 February and Sunday 15 February.
Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said items confiscated included cocaine, dagga, khat, crystal meth and Mandrax. He believes members of the provincial police’s Anti-Gang unit in Bloemfontein dealt a massive blow to the local drug trade. Kareli said the team recovered drugs following the execution of search warrants at targeted residences in Heidedal.
“Drugs with a total street value exceeding R715 000 were removed from the streets of Heidedal, resulting in the arrest of four suspects,” said Kareli.
He said at the residence of a 40-year-old man, officers discovered cocaine with an estimated street value of R75 000 and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Kareli said during the execution of a search warrant at the residence of a 27-year-old suspect, large quantities of dagga professionally wrapped in plastic, valued at approximately R60 000, as well as cash, were discovered. He said persistent search and investigation resulted in the additional arrest of two suspected drug dealers.
“Acting on a strategic tip-off regarding two suspects, operators moved in on a specific house where, upon spotting the police, a 38-year-old suspect attempted to evade members on foot. He was swiftly intercepted. A search of the school bag he was carrying revealed a cache of drugs. The investigation led members to a 36-year-old male. A comprehensive search of the premises uncovered a massive stockpile of various drugs such as khat, crystal meth and Mandrax, with a combined street value of R580 000, as well as a significant, undisclosed sum of cash.”
All four suspects face charges ranging from possession to dealing in illicit drugs. They are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court later this week.
Maj Gen. Apaphia Modise, acting provincial commissioner, has lauded the Anti-Gang unit for their quick response to community intelligence, noting that the seizure of the school bag used to transport drugs is particularly concerning as it suggests tactics used to blend into the community.
