EASTERN CAPE – Eastern Cape police arrested four suspected drug dealers and seized drugs with an estimated combined street value of R20 000 during separate intelligence-driven operations in Despatch and Addo this week.

In the first incident on Thursday 2 July, an intelligence-driven operation in Addo led to the arrest of three suspects on charges of drug dealing.

According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, members of the Makhanda Crime Prevention Unit, Highway Patrol Unit and K9 Unit jointly executed search warrants at targeted premises in Addo.

Intelligence gathering

“During the operation, authorities seized illicit drugs, including Mandrax, tik, khat and dagga, with a combined estimated street value of R4 000. A Volkswagen Polo was also confiscated [in the operation, which will lead to] further investigation,” said McCarthy.

He said the suspects, aged between 24 and 35, are expected to appear in the Nqweba Magistrate’s Court soon.

Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, Sarah Baartman district commissioner, commended the police officers involved in the successful operation.

“This seizure is a direct result of meticulous intelligence-gathering and swift tactical execution,” said Kupiso.

Trove in backpack

In a separate incident, police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said swift action by Despatch police led to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect and the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of R16 000 during the execution of a search warrant in the early hours of Friday 3 July.

At 02:20, the police officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Oeivaar Street, Reservoir Hills, Despatch.

“Upon arrival, the owner of the house opened the door, but when he realised it was the police, he quickly retreated into the house, grabbed a backpack and fled on foot,” Janse van Rensburg explained, adding that the officers immediately gave chase.

“During the pursuit, the suspect dropped the backpack while one of the members continued the chase and successfully apprehended him.”

The backpack was secured with a padlock, which was cut open in the presence of the suspect. Janse Van Rensburg said police returned to the house with the suspect, where they discovered that he had been packaging drugs for suspected distribution.

“Inside the backpack, police found 350 bankies of tik, 175 full Mandrax tablets and 136 bankies of khat, with an estimated street value of approximately R16 000,” said Janse van Rensburg.

She said the suspect was arrested on charges of dealing in drugs and is expected to appear in the Despatch Magistrates’ Court soon.

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