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.

Addo

In the first incident on 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.

“During the operation, authorities seized illicit drugs, including Mandrax, tik, cat and dagga, with a combined estimated street value of R4,000. A Volkswagen Polo was also confiscated for further investigation,” said McCarthy.

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

Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso commended the members.

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

Despatch

In a separate incident, police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said swift action by members of Despatch SAPS 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 3 July.

She said that at approximately 02:20, SAPS members 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,” said Janse Van Rensburg.

She further said members immediately gave chase.

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

She said 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 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 Magistrate’s Court soon.

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