KIMBERLEY – In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement in Kimberley, a joint operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old foreign national for drug dealing. The arrest took place on Thursday, 08 February 2024, during the execution of the illicit mining operation’s “Vala Umgodi” duties.
Acting on information regarding non-compliance at a business premises, the joint team operationalized the intelligence and conducted a thorough compliance inspection. The inspection confirmed the presence of illegal activities, leading to the subsequent arrest of the suspect.
Upon searching the premises, law enforcement discovered a cache of suspected drugs with an estimated street value of R88,500. The seized substances included tik, cat, dagga, and even tik-infused lollipops. In addition to the narcotics, a substantial amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities was also confiscated.
The 38-year-old suspect is now facing charges related to drug dealing and is scheduled to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate Court in the coming days.
The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the success of the operation, highlighting the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the public. Lt. Gen. Otola emphasized that such collaborations play a pivotal role in ridding society of illicit substances and associated criminal activities.
Sergeant Timothy Sam, the spokesperson for the Northern Cape SAPS, affirmed the importance of public cooperation in providing critical information that led to the success of this operation. The removal of these drugs from the streets reflects the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
The successful operation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of joint efforts in combating drug-related crimes and upholding the rule of law in Kimberley and the broader Northern Cape region.
Article written by Jurno.
Tags: Drugs