On Tuesday, 10 December 2024 at 18:38, members of the Welkom K9 Unit, Welkom Flying Squad, and Operation Vala Umgodi operators apprehended two foreign nationals for drug possession and trafficking.
Constable Isak Johannes Jacobus Van Wyk of Welkom K9 Unit received information from the Free State Provincial Counter Narcotics about a White Hino bus which had boxes suspected to be containing drugs loaded at a filling station at Grasmere on its way to Cape Town. The member, who was off-duty at the time, placed himself on duty and the information was operationalised. Welkom Flying Squad members and Operation Vala Umgodi operators were activated and a way lay was conducted by the off-ramp leading to R34 Road near Kroonstad.
After the bus was stopped, the team searched the vehicle. Police confiscated 3814 packages of Chata edulis narcotic, often known as Bushman’s tea or KHAT plant, which were discovered on the bus valued at R228 840. Hino bus that was used in the crime and two (2) cellphones that were utilized for contact between the people involved were also seized
A case docket was opened at the Kroonstad police station after two male suspects, ages 45 and 51, were arrested on charges of drug possession and trafficking. The suspects will appear before court soon.
Way-lay operation between various police units leads to major drug bust on N1 National Road https://t.co/mpzpJaBD4u#ArriveAlive #DrugBust #DrugsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/M0st1ZVrgw
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 11, 2024
