A raid on an illegal scrapyard in Napier led to the discovery of R550 000 worth of stolen municipal infrastructure as well as cocaine, tik and Mandrax. Three suspects have since been arrested.

On Wednesday 12 August a Napier law-enforcement operation led to the recovery of stolen municipal infrastructure, including heavy-duty copper cables, electrical boxes and water fittings. Law enforcement also seized solar panels and a commercial scale.

This was during an initial targeted raid on illegal and unlicensed scrap metal dealership in the Cape Agulhas municipal area. According to the police these items were valued at R550 000.

A 54-year-old male was arrested on the scene and was expected to appear in the Bredasdorp Magistrates’ Court on Friday 14 August. He was charged with operating without a licence and possession of suspected stolen property.

Drugs found

Following the recovery of the stolen property of the Cape Agulhas Municipality police said that the officers extended their search to a Wendy house on the property. Drugs worth R16 000 (street value) were found on the roof of the Wendy house.

“The seize drugs include two sachets of cocaine, 110 Mandrax tablets, 29 Mandrax halves, 14 quarters of Mandrax tablets, 38 grams of Mandrax powder and 30 sachets of tik,” said Capt Frederick C van Wyk, provincial police spokesperson.

A 19-year-old and 35-year-old male suspects have since been arrested “for dealing in drugs.”

Van Wyk said the suspects were expected to make their first court appearance in the Bredasdorp Magistrates’ Court on Friday 14 August. Napier police officers, local municipal traffic and Law Enforcement and municipal officers were part of the successful execution of the targeted raid.