Police ‘take down’ eight suspected drug dealers

UPINGTON recently witnessed a significant crackdown on drug-related crimes as Operation Didlimbeta was successfully executed, netting eight suspects in connection with drug dealing.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said that the collaborative “takedown operation” was conducted in the early hours of June 13, 2024, and involved multiple units, including Provincial Organised Crime Investigation, Rosedale SAPS Detectives, Upington Crime Intelligence, Upington Public Order Police, Frances Baard District Detectives, K9 units from Upington, Hartswater and Kimberley, Rosedale Crime Prevention and Upington Border Police.

The operation led to the arrest of six men, between the ages of 20 and 38, and two women, aged 34 and 44, who are suspected of drug dealing.

Despite one suspect’s attempt to dispose of evidence by flushing drugs down the toilet, detectives skilfully recovered the narcotics.

The police seized drugs with an estimated street value of R123,568. This included mandrax, tik and khat with an estimated street value of R5,130 and hydroponic dagga with an estimated street value of R118,438.

The apprehended suspects are slated for a court appearance to face charges related to drug dealing.

The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, commended the “outstanding teamwork’ that resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of drugs.

Otola said that the policing of drug-related crimes remains a priority in the Province and the SAPS will continue to “vigorously address these crimes”.