With the national shutdown in full swing, the drug industry continues to operate. Drug dealers showing little concern around the spread of COVID-19.
However, law enforcement is hellbent on protecting the community from the spread of the novel coronavirus, as well as ensuring people do not put their lives at risk through the use of illegal narcotics.
This follows an operation, where a man was caught trying to bring Mandrax to the approximate value of R200 000 into Newcastle.
The Operational Units involved in the arrest of the suspect were the Fiela Task Team, Warrant Officer Rose, Newcastle K9 unit, Warrant Officer Valli, Sergeant Sibisi, Constable Masondo and Ithemba Tracing Team.
A sting operation was put into place, after authorities received positive information regarding a man transporting narcotics from Gauteng to Newcastle.
The various teams and officers were then placed at strategic points, where the vehicle was then spotted travelling on a gravel road just outside Newcastle.
The operational members boxed the vehicle in and approached the suspect tactically.
The suspect was secured and in his presence, a search was conducted. During the search, the team found a loose compartment in the vehicle. Upon opening the compartment, Mandrax tablets were found hidden inside.
The Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) attended the scene and a full search was then conducted.
A staggering 3,372 Mandrax tablets, worth approximately R200 000, were recovered and seized together with cash and the vehicle.
The suspect was arrested for possession of Mandrax and further investigations will continue.
A round of applause goes out to those involved in the operation.
