Packets of suspected drugs seized by police during an operation in Hendrina. Photo: SAPS
A police crackdown on suspected drug dealing in Hendrina has led to the arrest of three men and the seizure of crystal meth, nyaope and suspected ecstasy, while one of the suspects allegedly tried to bribe officers with R1 000.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, members of the Witbank Tactical Response Team conducted the operation on Tuesday, 1 September, after receiving information about suspected drug dealing in the Hendrina policing precinct.
Police arrested a 44-year-old suspect for alleged drug dealing and being undocumented. Officers reportedly recovered five packets of crystal meth, 64 packets of suspected nyaope and seven glass smoking pipes. The drugs were estimated to be worth R2 060, while R1 207 in cash was also seized.
A 41-year-old suspect was also arrested for alleged drug dealing. Police reportedly seized 80 packets of suspected nyaope, 15 packets of suspected crystal meth, three suspected ecstasy tablets, two suspected rocks and 12 glass smoking pipes. The drugs were estimated at R3 340, while R360 in cash was recovered.
A third suspect, aged 35, was arrested for alleged bribery and being undocumented after he allegedly attempted to offer police officers R1 000.
The three suspects appeared in the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 4 September, and were remanded in custody for a further court appearance on Monday, 7 September.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the officers involved in the operation and said police would continue targeting the illegal drug trade.
She added that SAPS maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards bribery and corruption.