R75m Gauteng drug bust ‘biggest’

File picture: Piet Smit

File picture: Piet Smit

Published Nov 27, 2013

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Johannesburg - In the biggest drugs bust so far this year, drugs with a street value of about R75 million were seized in Kempton Park, on the East Rand, on Wednesday, the Hawks said.

 A Nigerian and a Tanzanian man were found with 20kg of heroin, 15kg of cocaine, and 15kg of tik during a police operation on Wednesday.

"This is the biggest drug raid we have netted so far this year in terms of value. The men were closely monitored by crime intelligence officers for the past few months," said Captain Paul Ramaloko.

They were expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court soon.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said he was pleased with the work done by the Hawks.

"We congratulate the Hawks. This latest drug bust is consistent with our resolve as government to crumble drug syndicates," he said in a statement.

"That is why, during the last two years, 669 arrests were effected and about 298 804 847kg of drugs confiscated, with a monetary value of R95 million."

He said the Hawks shut down 41 laboratories during the year.

"The use of drugs has become an international challenge. The distribution and sale of drugs are also major contributory factors to gang wars."

Mthethwa said his department had already launched a campaign to target the drug problem.

"From a policing perspective, our focus has shifted from targeting and arresting the sniffers towards crippling the drug syndicates," he said.

 

Sapa

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