AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
SOUTH AFRICA’S serious crimes unit – The Hawks – have made one of its biggest drug haul, seizing an assortment of drugs worth over R54-million, arresting three men and confiscating four cars.
The intelligence driven bust started in the Free State and led to the discovery of more drugs and stashes of cash in Welkom, in the Free State and Mayfield Park, in Johannesburg.
The significant achievement by The Hawks has been praised by Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
The Hawks’ bust was made with the support of the South African Police Service’s Crime Intelligence Unit, the Tactical Response Team from Welkom, K9 Welkom and Sasolburg.
In a statement, The Hawks said three men, aged between 31 and 54, were arrested after being monitored over a period of time by the unit and a Crime Intelligence team. The suspects were monitured as they allegedly sold a consignment of drugs on several occasions to a police agent.
The Hawks said: “The search and seizure operation started in Welkom where two suspects were arrested. This came after the team found 11 packets of mandrax with an estimated street value of R900 000 concealed inside their vehicle.
“They later proceeded to Mayfield Park, Johannesburg in Gauteng. Upon searching, police uncovered 910 000 mandrax tablets, 3 kg of crystal meth, a large amount of chemicals valued over R400 000 and one suspect was arrested.
“The assortment of drugs that were found in Mayfield Park have an estimated street value of R54 Million. Four vehicles were also seized which include a VW Polo, Ford Ranger double cab, VW GTI and Isuzu as well as an undisclosed amount of money.
The suspects are expected to make their first court appearances in their respective provinces on Monday.”
