NXUBA – A sophisticated drug distribution syndicate operating across Nxuba (formerly Cradock) and surrounding areas has been dealt a crushing blow after the Gqeberha Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) successfully opposed bail for two alleged kingpins.
Leon Fortuin (44) and Desiree Hare (47), accused of orchestrating the illegal circulation of Crystal Methamphetamine (Tik) and Mandrax tablets throughout local communities, were denied bail by the Nxuba Magistrate’s Court on 8 April.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the couple were nabbed by a multi-disciplinary team comprising coordinated and integrated capabilities of the Hawks, Nxuba Crime Intelligence Middleburg K9 Units, Nxuba, Graaff-Reinet SAPS, Chris Hani District Operational Command Centre, and the Provincial Local Criminal Record Centre on 26 February.
He said that the investigative process was formally initiated in August 2025, precipitated by sustained community-derived intelligence and recurring complaints relating to the pervasive distribution of illicit narcotics.
“In accordance with contemporary doctrines of proactive policing and covert operations, a structured undercover methodology was deployed. This formed part of a broader, long-range disruption strategy designed not merely to apprehend individual perpetrators, but to systematically dismantle the underlying structural and operational architecture of the alleged criminal enterprise,” said Mhlakuvana.
He further said that the operation culminated in the arrest of the two suspects, who were allegedly central actors within the identified distribution network.
“They were purportedly involved in the circulation of prohibited substances, specifically Crystal Methamphetamine and Mandrax tablets, within Nxuba and adjacent communities,” said Mhlakuvana.
He said that during the operation, the police seized approximately 201 Mandrax tablets, 400 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine, two digital weighing instruments, 33 rounds of ammunition, nine cell phones, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Mhlakuvana said that the accused made numerous court appearances until their bail was successfully denied by the Nxuba Magistrate’s Court on 8 April.
He said that the matter was remanded to 12 May for further investigation while the accused remain in custody as the investigation continues.
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