FREE STATE – Three suspects between the ages of 36 and 46 were arrested yesterday and today, 29 March 2022 during an intelligence driven operation led by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team together with Crime Intelligence (CI), Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Public Order Policing (POP) all based in Free State.

The arrests were effected during the termination of a project driven investigation lead by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Bloemfontein together with Crime Intelligence. The project investigation began in 2020 aimed at disrupting and dismantling the identified threat of drug dealing in Bethlehem and surrounding areas.

The suspects were monitored over a period of time by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence team as they allegedly sold a consignment of drugs on several occasions to a police agent. It is further alleged that from February 2021 until yesterday the suspects sold the drugs to the police agent to an estimated value of more than R100 000-00.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Bethlehem Magistrates' Court tomorrow, 30 March 2022.

Source: South African Police Service