POLOKWANE - Two suspects, aged 38 and 45, were arrested for possession of drugs and illicit cigarettes during joint operations conducted in the Capricorn and Vhembe Districts on Tuesday 07 February and Wednesday, 08 February 2023.

In the Capricorn district, a sting operation between the Provincial Organised Crime and Intelligence Crime Unit led to the arrest of a 45-year-old suspect on the N1 north near Mathoks in the Botlokwa policing area on Tuesday, 07 February 2023 at about 14:00.

The suspect's vehicle was spotted, stopped and pulled over the road. During the search, police confiscated crystal meth with an estimated street value of R5000-00.

The other suspect was caught transporting illicit cigarettes worth R135 000-00 when his vehicle was stopped along the R523 road under Siloam policing area in the Vhembe district today, at about 06:00.

Vhembe Task team members jointly with SAPS Vhuluadzi detectives acted swiftly after they received a tip-off about an SUV vehicle loaded with illicit cigarettes. The suspect was arrested near Matshikiri Complex and police confiscated 27 boxes of illicit cigarettes.

Both getaway vehicles were also seized as part of investigation.

The two suspects are expected to appear before the Magistrate's Court in Botlokwa and Siloam on Thursday, 09 February 2023, facing charges of dealing in drugs and illicit cigarettes.

Police investigation continues.

Source: South African Police Service