Suspect due in court for possession of illicit drugs worth R1.29 million

The continued fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the Western Cape reaped rewards following the arrested of a 42-year-old foreigner who was found in possession of drugs worth about R1.29 million and a substantial amount of cash.

On Wednesday, 21 February 2024, members attached to the Milnerton SAPS’ Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) acted upon information received about a vehicle transporting drugs to be delivered at a specific address in Brooklyn. The members strategically deployed themselves and conducted observation duties along the route until they spotted the vehicle approaching.

The vehicle was pulled over and brought to a halt where after the members ensued with a search of the driver and the vehicle. The members found a substantial quantity of tik and mandrax tablets.

The suspect attempted to evade arrest and ran away but members in pursuit quickly caught up with the suspect. During the chase, the suspect threw a bunch of house keys away which the members could not find. However, the members managed to arrest the suspect and escorted him to his address where they continued with the search of the premises.

During the search of the premises the members discovered a further 18 968 mandrax tablets valued at around R1.29 million, which were seized.

Further investigation took the members to an address in Plumstead where they found a substantial amount of cash which is suspected to be the proceeds of the drug trade. The money and drugs were confiscated.

The 42-year-old Nigerian suspect will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ court on Thursday, 23 February 2024 on a charge of dealing in drugs.