Two convicted in Upington drug bust; court orders forfeiture of dealer’s home

THE DISTRICT Court in Upington has convicted Raynard Jacobs, 23, and Lucia Louw, 44, on charges of dealing in cannabis. The convictions followed an undercover operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Upington.

On August 5, 2022, SAPS deployed an undercover agent to purchase drugs from Louw, who was reportedly selling drugs from her home. The agent bought 30 "Ziploc" bags of cannabis from Jacobs and Louw for R300. The evidence gathered during this operation was pivotal in securing the convictions.

During the trial, the defence challenged the admissibility of the evidence, alleging harassment and improper targeting of the accused. However, after a trial-within-a-trial, the court ruled the evidence admissible. The State, represented by public prosecutor Tlotlo Gregory Tshwaro, proved that both accused voluntarily participated in the transaction.

Faced with overwhelming evidence, both Jacobs and Louw admitted guilt. In sentencing, the court imposed a fine of R30,000 or five years' imprisonment for each accused, plus a further three years' imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years. Additionally, Louw's house was ordered to be forfeited to the State in terms of section 25 of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act.

"This conviction is another step forward in the fight against the scourge of drugs destroying the future of South Africa's youth. It demonstrates that the prosecution, working with SAPS, will hold drug dealers accountable," said senior public prosecutor Christopher Bouman, who commended the trial outcome.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) applauded the prosecution team led by Tshwaro and the SAPS for their efforts. Despite the complexities often associated with entrapment cases, this case highlights the effectiveness of collaboration in building safer, healthier communities.