POLOKWANE – A man appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of possession and dealing in drugs following his arrest on Wednesday (July 19).

The man was nabbed during a tactical driven operation that commenced in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in his arrest later on in the day.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the operation was focused on illegal dealing and drug possession in Polokwane and commenced after members of the Provincial Crime Intelligence Narcotic and Organised Crime Unit received a tip-off about a male allegedly dealing in the CBD.

“The team identified the suspect and monitored him conducting his illegal activities from around 05:00 on Wednesday morning. The arrest happened around midday,” his statement read.

Ledwaba said the man was searched and found in possession of 1 580 sachets of nyaope with an estimated street value of R63 200 as well as rock valued at R7 200.

“The suspect is from Ga-Mphahlele village outside Lebowakgomo and was immediately arrested,” Ledwaba said.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said the team did a sterling job in ensuring that drugs intended to destruct lives were confiscated.