Two male suspects were arrested 20 km outside Upington with dagga amounting to the value of R5 066 250, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.
The arrests of the two male suspects, aged 27 and 44 years, happened in the early morning hours of Thursday, 23 November.
Sgt Omphile Masegela, police spokesperson of the ZF Mgcawu District, said the two were intercepted about 20 km outside Upington following information that was received about a vehicle allegedly transporting dagga to Upington.
The two suspects were arrested, and are expected to appear in court soon.
This illustrates the efforts of the police to strengthen their efforts to address the trafficking of drugs during especially the festive season, and beyond.
This follows the launch of the provincial Safer Festive Operation in Upington on 17 November under the national theme “Combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement”.
During this event the premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, encouraged the community to form partnerships with law enforcement to combat crime, as it is not the sole responsibility of the police.
He emphasised that the abuse and smuggling of drugs is a grave concern and urged police to place emphasis on the policing of drug related crimes.
Two arrested in Springbok for drug-dealing
In another police success on Monday, 20 November, two men were arrested in Springbok for dealing in drugs with a value of about R30 000.
In this event, a 27-year-old male suspect was arrested in Bergsig and 82 Mandrax tablets and Tik, with an estimated street value of R20 000, were confiscated.
At a second house in Vaalwater a 36-year-old male suspect was caught red-handed with three Mandrax tablets, 18,98 g Tik and 1,04 kg dagga, all worth about R10 000.
Marine related crimes addressed
Also, during last week, Operation Phakisa was executed in the coastal areas of the Namakwa District, focusing on illegal activities in relation to marine resource related crimes by monitoring and ensuring strict compliance of the prescribed ranching, fishing and harvesting regulations, as well as the addressing the proliferation of drugs and preventing the flow of undocumented immigrants.
The multi-disciplinary operation Phakisa commenced on Thursday, 16 November and ended on Sunday, 19 November in Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Groenrivier, Alexander Bay and Hondeklipbaai.
During this period the public was authorised to engage in commercial cray fishing, permitting them to possess and transport a prescribed amount of West Coast Rock lobster (crayfish) as authorised by the Marine Living Resource Act.
Numerous operational successes were achieved including:
the confiscation of marine resource products valued at approximately R16 720;
the arrest of a 37-year-old Chinese male for possession of abalone and marine resource products; and
traffic fines valued at R8 500 were issued for offences under the Road traffic Act.
