NC police confiscate semi-precious stones worth R166k
NORTHERN Cape law enforcement officials seized blue lace agate stones valued at R166,000 from a vehicle after the driver was unable to provide the police with a reasonable explanation as to where he came into possession of the semi-precious stones.
An enquiry case docket was opened for further investigation following vehicle checkpoints that were conducted during Operation Phakisa in the Namakwa district.
A total of 125 vehicles and 360 persons were stopped and searched on the Port Nolloth-Alexander Bay road and the Port Nolloth-Kleinzee road.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said on Wednesday that operations were conducted in Kleinzee, Groenrivier, Alexander Bay and Hondeklipbaai from May 18 to 21 to combat illegal marine-related activities and prevent the harvesting and poaching of marine resources and essential infrastructure in the Province.
“The multi-disciplinary team also enforced the law on other criminality committed during the period of the operations,” said Sam. “The operations were executed under the overall command of the provincial commander for border policing, Colonel Herlan John Coghlan.”
Sam added that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the Sars Customs Unit and SANParks also participated in the planned disruptive actions.
“Actions and activities executed included compliance inspections, vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-searches, foot patrols along the coastal areas and raids at identified houses for illegal drugs and other commodity smuggling.”
Sam stated that nine fishing permits were inspected at harbours, camping sites, launching pads and businesses visited by the multi-disciplinary law enforcement officials.
“A R5,000 fine was issued for contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act. Numerous traffic fines were also issued, amounting to R3,800.
“The team also seized dagga, mandrax and tik to the value of R1,300 as well as R1,209 cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.”
Sam indicated that six suspects were arrested for dealing and possession of drugs.
“The integrated approach to fighting crime, including the involvement of the public through the Community Police Forums, always yields positive results in building safer communities,” Sam concluded.
