Police confiscates Mandrax worth more than R5 Million

The vigilance of an inspector attached to a long-distance public transport company who alerted the Da Gamaskop SAPS early this morning ensured that a substantial consignment of Mandrax with an estimated value of more than R5m (Five million rand) was confiscated and a 51-year-old man finds himself behind bars for Dealing in Drugs as well as a charge of Bribery. Western Cape police management has commended those involved with the arrest and for their dedication in addressing drug trafficking especially along with the major entry points into the province.

Earlier today, 03 December 2021 at about 03:00, the Inspector noticed a suspicious amount of sealed boxes in the luggage compartment of the bus and decided to do a proper inspection when the bus stopped at Voorbaai, in Mossel Bay. He ensued with a search and found that the boxes were concealing a consignment of what seemed to be Mandrax. He notified SAPS who responded rapidly and confirmed that the content of the boxes is indeed Mandrax tablets.

Subsequent to the find that was confiscated, members arrested a 51-year-old foreigner to whom the consignment was linked directly. The drugs were confiscated and handed in as evidence. The suspect remains in custody and is scheduled to make his court appearance in the Mossel Bay Magistrates’ court on Monday, 06 December 2021, facing charges of Dealing in Drugs as well as Bribery, based on the fact that when he was arrested, he offered a substantial amount of cash to the arresting officer in an effort to be released.

Detectives attached to the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Narcotics section) are investigating this matter. Preliminary investigation indicates that the drugs were probably destined for delivery in Cape Town.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, has praised the members involved for their diligence and vigilance that once again ensured that the streets of the Western Cape are rid of drugs that pose a threat to the safety of our vulnerable communities. He was pleased to announce that the cooperation between long-distance bus companies has improved lately and the initiative to appoint inspectors to frequently check luggage, is commendable.