Minister of Police Bheki Cele did not pass the chance to attend the court case of drug dealers found in possession of drugs valued at close to half a billion rand.
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MASSIVE BUST OF DRUGS IN THE WESTERN CAPE
Cele attended the court case after a massive drug bust took place in the Western Cape last week.
During a Crime Intelligence operation along with the Hawks and the Western Cape Traffic department, a large consignment of drugs was found.
Three men were found in possession of cocaine valued at an estimated R400 million, said Police Ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba.
“The team led by the Hawks and Crime intelligence on Thursday 04 August 2022, pounced on the trio who were travelling on the N1 towards Cape Town, in a truck which was intercepted and a large quantity of drugs were found concealed in false wooden boards, stacked at the back of the truck.”
Lirandzu Themba
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CELE AND PROVINCIAL POLICE COMMISSIONER ATTEND COURT CASE
Minister Bheki Cele and the Western Cape provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile attended the first court appearance.
The suspects, aged between 39 and 47 appeared before the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Cele says this drug bust will 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.”
Police Minister Bheki Cele
The Police Ministry welcomes the continuous targeted operations led by crime intelligence and the Hawks in the province, to disrupt and suffocate the whole illicit drug supply chain. Cele commended the team and Crime Intelligence for their diligent work.
“Communities are encouraged to continue to come forward with information that can assist police investigations,” Themba said.
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