NORTHERN CAPE: Numerous suspects were nabbed during a high density clandestine operation executed in the Frances Baard District over the weekend.
A crime intelligence driven operation, led by the Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Brig Hennie van Rensburg and the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Johan Bean brought criminal activities to a standstill Friday evening, 11 March 2022 and Saturday evening, 13 March 2022.
Several suspects where nabbed for various crimes.
The operation focussed on addressing illicit criminal activities in the Frances Baard District including Roodepan, Pampierstad, Hartswater, Jan Kempdorp, Warrenton, Barkly West, Galeshewe, Kagisho, Modderriver and Kimberley policing precincts.
Simultaneous raids were executed at identified residences for drug dealing, stolen goods and illegal firearms.
Stop and searches for dangerous weapons were also conducted.
High police visibility in the Frances Baard District through blue light patrols deterred and prevented criminal activities, compliance inspections were conducted at a 110 liquor outlets during which 383 patrons were searched, 129 houses were raided including 153 vehicles, 15 dangerous weapon which includes knives were seized during the operation, traffic and other fines were issued to motorists including those who were drinking liquor in the streets.
During the disruptive actions, mandrax tablets as well as cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing was found in the possession of a husband and wife of a well-known tavern and taxi owner in Pampierstad on Saturday, 12 March 2022.
During the raid the wife grabbed and flushed the crystal meth down the toilet, however members managed to retrieve the crystal meth before it was flushed down the drain.
Also in Pampierstad two suspects, a Nigerian national and a South African national were arrested at their residents respectively and police confiscated more than 100 mandrax tablets, crystal meth, a suspected stolen laptop, cellphones and money believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing.
Friday evening, 11 March 2022, two males and a female suspect were arrested in Roodepan following a raid and search at their premises. They were found in possession of mandrax tablets and cash.
Of the suspects arrested in Galeshewe and Kagisho were also found in possession of drugs which includes dagga, mandrax and crystal meth.
Brig Hennie van Rensburg and members destroyed a dagga plantation at a house in Naborn in the Roodepan.
Both the District Commander of the Frances Baard District, Major General Bean and the Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Brigadier Hennie van Rensberg praised the members who were involved in the Clandestine Operation for the professional and disciplined manner in which they executed the actions.
The suspects, aged between 25 and 54 are expected to appear in different courts in the Frances Baard Districts respectively on Monday, 14 March 2022 on charges ranging from dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and possession of dangerous weapons.
Source: South African Police Service