Three weeks after a major drug bust by the Hawks in Somerset West (Hawks lead major drug bust in Somerset West, Bolander November 9), another substantial haul was seized on Thursday November 29.
The arrests and drug seizure followed on-going investigations by the Hawks.
The drugs, mandrax worth R9 million and 2.5kg of tik (methamphetamine) worth R750 000, were seized in the raid, which took place at the same premises as the previous operation. The storage business remains unnamed, but SAPS Somerset West station commander, Colonel Mary Ann Williams, confirmed that it is in Somerset West.
“Two suspects were arrested, a mother and daughter, and we believe that the older woman was the receiver of the drugs, and that she supplied local drug dealers,” Colonel Williams told Bolander on Friday, adding that the suspects are not Helderberg Basin residents.
“The origin of the drugs is unknown at this time, but that is under investigation,” said Colonel Williams, “and the possibility of a link between this case and the previous one is under investigation.”
“Both suspects were processed at SAPS Somerset West after which they were transported to SAPS Bellville for investigation,” Colonel Williams said. “They will appear in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Monday December 3.”
Asked what might be the significance of two major drug busts in Somerset West, Colonel Williams said: “I believe that the criminals unfortunately see Somerset West as a safe distribution place.”
Colonel Williams appealed to the community to continue to aid the SAPS in its war on drugs: “I call on the community to come forward with information that will help us clean our area from this evil called drugs.
“Our success is a lifesaver for our children and the community trapped in addiction of drugs.”
Two elephant tusks valued at R18 000 were also seized during the raid.
