A female suspect, Thembela Kowa (33), who was arrested on drug-related charges in Thembalethu, George, on Thursday, made her first appearance in the Thembalethu Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.

The case was postponed to November 9 for a formal bail application.

Police confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R1.4m during an intelligence-driven operation at a premises in Johannes Street, Zone 9.

When police arrived at the residence, they noticed the suspect surreptitiously throwing a key on the ground. The key was used to unlock a room where 19 bankies of mandrax and tik were found stashed in the ceiling.

Police confiscated 19 117 Mandrax tablets and 1.3kg of tik. The suspect was arrested on the scene.

The case serves in front of magistrate Nelson Maluadzi.

Cimre Adams is for the state and the accused is represented by Bradley Michaels of Van Rooyen Attorneys.