Five arrested, drugs and cash seized in operation targeting dealers

A MAJOR weekend crackdown by Northern Cape police resulted in the arrest of five suspected drug dealers, with significant quantities of narcotics seized during co-ordinated raids across multiple districts.

Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said that Operation Vala Umgodi – an ongoing campaign to combat illegal mining and related crimes – intensified its efforts from Friday, May 16, resulting in a series of high-impact interventions across the province.

In the ZF Mgcawu District, co-ordinated raids on three properties in Kakamas uncovered a stash of mandrax, crystal meth and dagga. Three men, aged 37, 42 and 51, were arrested on charges of drug dealing following the busts. The police estimate the street value of the confiscated drugs at R18,000.

Elsewhere, in Phuthanang in the Frances Baard District, officers swooped on a shack believed to be a hub for drug activity. The operation yielded mandrax, crystal meth valued at around R42,000, and cash suspected to be linked to criminal transactions. A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with drug dealing.

In a separate incident, a suspect was apprehended in Currey Street, Kimberley, after being caught in possession of illegal substances.

Meanwhile, vehicle checkpoints in the Frances Baard and Namakwa districts resulted in fines issued to several drivers for traffic offences under the Road Traffic Management Act.

All arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

Sergeant Sam said that the SAPS has vowed to maintain the pressure through Operation Vala Umgodi, particularly in and around mining communities in the Northern Cape.

Anyone with information about illegal mining or related offences is urged to report it anonymously to SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 - because “if you see something, say something”.