A joint operation between the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Cape Town and Crime Intelligence has resulted in the seizure of Mandrax tablets worth more than R5million. Five suspects were arrested in the process.
On 15 March 2015, members of the DPCI and Crime Intelligence acted on information gathered about Mandrax tablets that were being transported from Gauteng to the Western Cape. The assistance of the Paarl K9 Unit and the Forensics Department was sought to assist in the extensive examination during the search and seizure of four suspected vehicles.
The Acting Head of the DPCI, Major General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, said that this operation again demonstrated the power of joint law-enforcement efforts.
“Criminal networks seeking to bring illicit drugs into our cities will continue to find it harder and harder to operate when they are up against the combined efforts of multiple law enforcement. We are well aware that international criminals see Australia as a lucrative market for their drugs, but we will continue to work closely with our partners to identify syndicates such as these and ensure their shipments never make it to the streets of Australia.”
“It doesn’t matter how sophisticated the concealment – and these drugs were particularly well hidden – law-enforcement authorities have access to the intelligence, tools and expertise to find and seize them. Syndicates of organised crime should know that we are prepared, willing and able to combine our skills, resources and efforts to target them,” said Ntlemeza.
Also view:
Crime as a Threat to Road Safety
