KuGompo City Drug lord nabbed with drugs worth R19m
An alleged drug lord believed to be involved in nationwide distribution has been arrested after police confiscated drugs worth R19m in KuGompo City on Wednesday morning.
Police nabbed two suspects, including the suspected drug dealer, in an intelligence-driven operation.
“A concerted intelligence-driven operation has resulted in the arrest of a key suspect allegedly involved in the large-scale dealing and distribution of drugs across the Eastern Cape and other provinces,” police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said.
The SAPS Counter Narcotics unit, in collaboration with the Organised Crime and Crime Prevention units, carried out the raid.
“The operation followed a thorough investigation initiated after the office received information regarding a foreign national believed to be orchestrating drug distribution from a base in Quigney, KuGompo,” Gantana said.
“During the early hours, members of Crime Prevention intercepted a white Toyota Corolla in the vicinity of the King Phalo Airport.
“The vehicle’s occupants were searched and found to be in possession of narcotics.
“Subsequent to the stop, officers proceeded to a flat at Kennaway Court in Quigney.
“The primary suspect granted consent for a search of the premises, where a substantial quantity of drugs and a significant amount of cash were discovered.”
The combined street value of the seized drugs is estimated at approximately R19,311,000.
The drugs seized include Mandrax tablets worth R1.24m, cocaine worth R18m, rock/crack worth R18,000 and crystal meth (tik) R13,000.
“In addition to the narcotics, investigators confiscated R77,340 in cash believed to be proceeds of illicit activities,” Gantana said.
A 47-year-old man and 36-year-old woman were arrested.
Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata welcomed the arrests.
“This successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven approach and the seamless collaboration between our specialised units.
“We are sending a clear message that the long arm of the law will reach those who seek to poison our communities with illicit drugs, regardless of the scale of their operation.”
The suspects are expected to appear in the magistrate’s court in KuGompo City soon on charges of possession and dealing in drugs.
The investigation continues.
