Cape Town - Police Minister Bheki Cele has commended the most recent South African Police Service(SAPS) Crime Intelligence-driven operations that resulted in the removal of close to half a billion rand worth of drugs off the streets.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) together with Crime Intelligence and the Western Cape Traffic department arrested three men who were found to be in possession of a large consignment of cocaine, with an estimated value of more than R400 million.
The team, led by the Hawks and Crime intelligence on August 4, pounced on the trio, who were travelling on the N1 towards Cape Town, in a truck which was intercepted.
A large quantity of drugs was found concealed in false wooden boards stacked at the back of the truck, Police Ministry Spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said.
Cele, together with Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, attended the first court appearance of the three men aged between 39 and 47 at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Cele said the drug bust would mean more crimes associated with drugs are prevented.
“Police are often accused of being reactive, and clearly, this is a demonstration that police are tightening crime prevention and are being proactive. The Western Cape police have really done a great job in terms of removing over 600 kg of cocaine worth millions of rand before they could be sold on our streets. These drugs are often generators of crime and are most detrimental to our communities, especially to our youths,” Cele said.
Communities are encouraged to continue to come forward with information that can assist police investigations.
Anyone with any information on the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop at 0860 010 111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.
Cape Town