Two suspects nabbed for alleged dealing in protected plants

Two suspects aged 22 and 28, are expected to appear before Springbok Magistrate Court on Monday, 17 July 2023 for contravention of Section 57 of the National Environmental Management-Biodiversity (Nemba) Act 10 of 2004.

The duo was arrested on Thursday, 13 July 2023 by a multiple disciplinary team comprising of Springbok DPCI, Upington Counter Narcotics, Steinkopf SAPS and Namakwa Public Order Policing. Information was received by the team regarding a particular vehicle that was travelling from Port Nolloth to Springbok with Protected plants.

A disruptive operation was conducted and the vehicle was spotted and stopped at the N7 road near Okiep and it was thoroughly searched. During the search, two (2) bags containing 11229 of Conephytum with an estimated street value of R168 435-00 were recovered. The team further confiscated three (3) cellphones and a vehicle that was used in the commission of crime.

Both suspects are in Springbok Police cells pending their first court appearance.