Hawks seize R305K in drugs, arrest five in Volksrust raid
Following a successful operation that resulted in five arrests, Major General Nico Gerber said the Hawks will intensify their efforts against drugs.
VOLKSRUST – Five suspects, including two Nigerian nationals, have been arrested for dealing in drugs, with illicit substances seized carrying an estimated street value of R305 000.
The arrests took place on August 15 following a collaborative operation.
The Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, in partnership with the Standerton K9 Unit and two private security companies, executed a search warrant after a period of close monitoring.
The operation began at a Volksrust house, where a 30-year-old undocumented Nigerian national was arrested.
Authorities discovered mandrax, crystal meth and two weighing scales at the scene.
The investigation led to a second address, where a 43-year-old undocumented Nigerian national was also apprehended after mandrax and crystal meth were found in his possession.
Further investigation brought authorities to a third house, where three South African men, aged between 33 and 43, were found with mandrax and crystal meth.
All five suspects appeared in the Volksrust Magistrate’s Court on August 18.
The Hawks and the Department of Home Affairs are investigating potential contraventions of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
Major General Nico Gerber, provincial head of the directorate for priority crime investigation, said drugs remain a serious problem in the area and commended the team for their ongoing successes in dismantling drug syndicates.
“The Hawks have intensified operations and appeal to the community to provide information relating to drug dealing. All information will be treated confidentially,” Gerber concluded.
