The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, in Mpumalanga has arrested a 31-year-old foreign national for alleged dealing in drugs following an intelligence-driven operation conducted in Evander on Friday (August 7).

The operation was conducted by members of the Secunda Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), assisted by the Secunda K9 Unit, the Serious Investigations and Pursuit and Recovery Unit (SIPRU) and Secunda Crime Intelligence.

The operation follows information received on August 6 regarding alleged drug dealing activities taking place at a house in Cordoba Street, Evander.

Members operationalised the information and proceeded to the identified premises at about 06:00 on Friday.

Upon arrival, the members found the suspect inside the house and conducted a search of the premises. During the search, a black plastic bag containing suspected drugs was discovered. The bag contained three bags of crystal methamphetamine weighing about 31 grams and two bags of heroin weighing about 46 grams. The drugs have an estimated street value of R14 650. In addition, R1 850 in cash and three cellphones were seized.

The total value of the exhibits is estimated at R20 000.

The suspect was arrested and detained at Evander Police Station. He is expected to appear before the Evander Magistrate’s Court on August 11, facing a charge of dealing in drugs.

The Provincial Head of the DPCI in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, has welcomed the successful operation and commended the multidisciplinary team for their continued efforts to disrupt the illicit drug trade in the province.

“We are commitment to working with other law enforcement agencies and communities to identify and dismantle networks involved in the distribution of illegal drugs” said General Gerber.