Police seize drugs worth R50k in Paarl
Following a tip-off, the Western Cape Anti-Economic and Extortion Task Team intercepted a truck on 27 October, arrested the Zimbabwean driver and confiscated methamphetamine valued at R50,000.
SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the team was alerted that the vehicle was travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
“The members took action and proceeded to the N1 Toll Plaza in Paarl. At about 2pm, they saw the suspicious delivery vehicle approaching the toll gate and instructed the driver to stop. The vehicle was searched,” said Swartbooi.
A stash of methamphetamine valued at R50,000 was found hidden in the truck, and police arrested the 46-year-old Zimbabwean driver for drug dealing.
He is set to appear in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court.
Nolwazi Madlolo, a local resident, said he was pleased with the arrest and hopes the driver will remain behind bars.
“As parents, we get happy every time a suspect is arrested for dealing in drugs. Our homes are not the same because of drugs. Our family members are drug addicts. Drugs have destroyed homes,” Madlolo said.
“Our law needs to be strong when it comes to criminals, especially those from other countries because they are undermining the country.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, argued that arresting the driver was not enough.
“The driver is just a messenger; his arrest won’t bother the big guys because they will get another driver to deliver the stock,” he said.
“The only thing that will end the transportation of drugs is when the drivers delivering drugs give the names of their bosses.
“Drug addicts commit crime because they need money to feed their addiction. If our SAPS can also get the big guys who are sending people to transport drugs, we will see a change in all of this.”
Pictured above: Drugs worth R50,000 were seized from a Zimbabwean truck driver at the N1 Toll Plaza in Paarl in the Western Cape.
Source: Supplied.