R225k worth of drugs found hidden in hearse

THE SAPS Provincial Organised Crime unit in Kimberley arrested two suspected drug dealers and confiscated drugs worth R225,000, cash and a hearse.

The team of detectives followed up on information and executed the search and arrests at the North Cape Mall at 1pm on Tuesday.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the team found and searched a silver Chrysler hearse in the mall’s parking area.

“The team discovered mandrax and tik in a compartment in the back of the vehicle,” said Kock.

He added that preliminary information indicates that the vehicle belongs to a local funeral undertaker in Roodepan.

“The 36-year-old male funeral undertaker, who was also the driver at the time of the incident, and the 34-year-old male passenger were arrested and charged with dealing in drugs.

“The police confiscated 2,450 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R180,000 and eight bags of tik valued at R45,000 and also seized an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of drug sales.”

The two suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.

Kock said that the police in the Province will “continue unabatedly to squeeze the space for drug dealers to operate in”.

He urged the community to continue to be the eyes and ears of the police and to report any criminal activity.

“Information can be reported anonymously via the MySAPS app or callers can tip off the police by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Tipsters may opt to remain anonymous.”