Publications
- A 51-year-old foreign national has been arrested in the Western Cape after allegedly being found in possession of more than R5 million worth of mandrax tablets.
- An inspector from a long-distance public transport company found drugs during an inspection of the bus after it made a top in Voorbaai, Mossel Bay.
- The suspect allegedly attempted to bribe police officers after he was arrested.
Western Cape police arrested a 51-year-old foreign national after he was allegedly found in possession of mandrax tablets worth more than R5 million and for attempting to bribe the arresting officer.
According to the police, during the early hours of Friday, an inspector attached to a long-distance public transport company inspected a passenger bus that had stopped in Voorbaai, Mossel Bay.
"The inspector noticed a suspicious amount of sealed boxes in the luggage compartment of the bus and decided to do a proper inspection," police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie said.
"He ensued with a search and found that the boxes were concealing a consignment of what seemed to be mandrax. He notified SAPS, who responded rapidly and confirmed that the content of the boxes are indeed mandrax tablets."
Following the find, the police arrested a foreign national allegedly linked to the boxes. At the same time, the drugs, with an estimated street value of more than R5 million, were seized and handed in as evidence.
Pojie added when the suspect was arrested, he "offered a substantial amount of cash to the arresting officer in an effort to be released".
"Detectives attached to the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation [Narcotics section] are investigating this matter. Preliminary investigation indicates that the drugs were probably destined for delivery in Cape Town."
The suspect is expected to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday, facing charges of dealing in drugs and bribery.
Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile praised police officers and the inspector involved for their diligence and vigilance that "once again ensured that the streets of the Western Cape is rid of drugs that poses a threat to the safety of our vulnerable communities".
"He was pleased to announce that the co-operation between long-distance bus companies has improved lately, and the initiative to appoint inspectors to frequently check luggage is commendable," Pojie said.
