Two people in a white Toyota Corolla aged 48 and 50 were arrested  in Estcourt on drug related charges. The car had been followed from Ladysmith by police.

The suspects were stopped at the Corner of Alfred and Harding Streets in Estcourt on charges of ‘Dealing in Drugs’. They appeared in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and were released on bail of R2000-00 each.

Police working on a tip-off from the community followed the car from Frere as it travelled from Ladysmith. The vehicle was stopped in Estcourt and police conducted a thorough search. They found drugs inside the front seat.

The type of drugs found were Rohypnol tablets better known as ‘date-rape drugs’ which have a street value of more than R8 000-00.

The two suspects Ricky Govender (48) and Farhana Dawood Shaik (50) were arrested. Police investigation still continues.

The Cluster Commander, Brig. Reynders and the Station Commander, Col. Kheswa commended the good work done by their officers as “drugs destroy our youth and community,” said police spokesperson Lt Colonel TM Mabaso.
Rohypnol is a tranquilizer about ten times more potent than Valium. The drug is available as a white or olive-green pill and is usually sold in the manufacturer’s bubble packaging. Users crush the pills and snort the powder, sprinkle it on marijuana and smoke it, dissolve it in a drink or inject it.
ROHYPNOL EFFECTS
Rohypnol has been used to commit sexual assaults because it renders the victim incapable of resisting, giving it the reputation of a “date-rape” drug. Rohypnol users often describe its effects as “paralyzing.” The effects start twenty to thirty minutes after taking the drug, peak within two hours and may persist for eight or even twelve hours. A person can be so incapacitated (made unable to act) they collapse. They lie on the floor, eyes open, able to observe events but completely unable to move. Afterwards, memory is impaired and they cannot recall any of what happened.The person experiences loss of muscle control, confusion, drowsiness and amnesia.