THE police struck a blow against drug dealing after Cradock Highway Patrol members with the assistance of the Cradock police, pulled over a white Toyota Hilux bakkie travelling towards Port Elizabeth on Sunday night shortly after 11pm.
Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Brigadier Marinda Mills said 23 bags of dagga were allegedly found in the back of the bakkie. Two suspects, aged 25 and 27, were arrested. The 23 bags of dagga, with a total weight of 486.2 kg and an estimated street value of R 1, 4million, was confiscated. The vehicle, which was rental from Gauteng, was also confiscated. The suspects will appear in the Cradock Magistrates Court today on charges of dealing in dagga.
While on the scene, another white Colt bakkie was also stopped, Mills said.
“Police noticed that the vehicle had a long wheel base with the canopy smaller compared to the long wheel base of the bakkie.”
She said a decision was made to conduct a proper investigation at the police station where there was adequate lighting.
“Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 200 000 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R16million in a hidden compartment of the canopy. The 45-year-old suspect was arrested.”
The mandrax and the privately owned vehicle were confiscated. The suspect is set to appear in the Cradock Magistrate’s Court on charges of dealing with mandrax.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Liziwe Ntshinga commended the Cradock SAPS members for the recovery, saying the police in the province was committed to fight against drugs.
He said the mandrax recovered was the biggest ever recorded in the province.