In a significant effort to tackle drug-related issues, General Fannie Masemola, who heads the South African Police Service (SAPS), recently led the destruction of drugs worth R90 million in Cape Town. These drugs, like tik, cocaine, and mandrax, were taken by the police during operations in the Western and Eastern Cape, where they set up roadblocks and carried out tracing missions.
This is the fourth time they’ve destroyed drugs this year. Just in October 2023, they got rid of R800 million worth of drugs in Gauteng. So far, they’ve destroyed almost a billion rand’s worth of drugs this year. Looking back to last year, they destroyed a whopping 6 tons of drugs valued at R2 billion.
The drugs destroyed today came from different police operations. In one case in Vredenburg, the police got a tip and found a truck with R10 million worth of mandrax tablets. Four people got arrested, and one, Hosia Mbuluheni Mathono, got a 15-year prison sentence.
In Beaufort West, they seized mandrax worth R2.5 million, and the person responsible got a 12-year sentence. Another case in Beaufort West involved R18 million worth of Tik, leading to a 15-year imprisonment for those involved. In Swellendam, R4.5 million worth of mandrax tablets were seized, and those accused got a 5-year prison sentence.
General Fannie Masemola pointed out the success of SAPS in stopping drug trafficking. He mentioned, “In the past three months, police have seized cocaine worth R200 million in various drug busts at our ports of entry.” He highlighted that this drug destruction shows how hard the police are working to remove drugs that harm lives and livelihoods.
General Masemola made it clear that SAPS is committed to fighting the drug trade, focusing on keeping the public safe and well. The ongoing efforts of the police show their determination to make a positive impact in the community.
