Combined efforts by Western Cape police have resulted in three drug busts, including one which led to the confiscation of just over R18m worth of tik.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Johan Heuer said the busts were part of joint intelligence-driven operations between the Western Cape Provincial Detectives Narcotics Project Team and K-9 Units in Outeniqua and Central Karoo.

The operation started on Sunday, with a special focus on drug trafficking. So far, six suspects had been arrested. Heuer said police also seized vehicles worth about R304 000.

According to Heuer, the R18m drug bust took place on Monday when the Central Karoo K-9 unit pulled over a suspicious looking bakkie travelling through Beaufort West, in the direction of Cape Town.

“With the search that ensued, members discovered 52 bags of tik weighing 52.2kg, with an estimated street value of just more than R18m that was hidden in the different compartments and panels of the bakkie.

Suspects detained

“Subsequent to the find, the two occupants… both from Johannesburg, were arrested and are currently detained at the Beaufort West Police Station.”

They face charges of dealing in tik. Heuer added that police confiscated the tik and the bakkie that had an estimated value of R135 000.

The accused, Sibongiseni Dhladhla, 41, and Dnubisi Azubuike Nwokolo, 43, appeared in court on Monday. The matter was postponed to December 28 for a formal bail application.

In a similar modus operandi, the Outeniqua K-9 Unit and provincial detectives in George also discovered 20kg of dagga, estimated at R40 000, in the panels of a bakkie on Sunday.

Heuer said police pulled over the bakkie and found 64 parcels of dagga concealed in black bags that were hidden underneath the bakkie.

“The dagga was confiscated as evidence and two… men aged 28 and 33-years-old were arrested.”

Abdul Hamadi Kobe, 28, and Akida Juma, 33, appeared in the Beaufort West Magistrate’s Court on Monday for dealing in dagga. The matter was postponed to December 14 for a formal bail application.

Mandrax hidden in luggage

Also on Sunday, Heuer said a VW Polo was pulled over just outside Beaufort West following a tip-off.

“The car was en-route from Cape Town to Beaufort West. With the search that ensued, members found 199 Mandrax tablets hidden between the clothing luggage of the men.

“The Mandrax is estimated at R10 000. The two occupants, both men residing in Beaufort West aged 18 and 45, were arrested,” Heuer said.

Clinton Werner Jonas, 18, and Ralton Green, 45, appeared in the Beaufort West Magistrate’s Court on Monday for possession of Mandrax. They were remanded in custody and the case was postponed to December 14 for a formal bail application.

“The Western Cape Police Management has commended those members involved for their swift response and dedication. This is a message to criminals that these joint intelligence-driven operations will continue to rid our communities from the scourge of drug addiction,” Heuer said.