GEORGE NEWS - The relentless efforts of police to curb drug trafficking in the Western Cape have paid off, with the Beaufort West Regional Court handing a 20-year prison sentence to a man found guilty of dealing in drugs worth an estimated R2.95m.
The conviction stems from a major bust on 20 September 2018, when Beaufort West police, assisted by Central Karoo K9 members, conducted a vehicle checkpoint at the Weigh Bridge on the N1 entrance to Beaufort West.
Officers pulled over a Volkswagen panel van with two occupants and carried out a thorough search.
When the vehicle’s door panels were removed, police uncovered mandrax tablets hidden inside. A further search revealed more tablets concealed in the glove compartment. In total, 59 121 Mandrax tablets were confiscated, leading to the arrest of both occupants on charges of drug dealing.
After a lengthy trial, 42-year-old Nkosxolile Ngxazozo was convicted on the charge, while his co-accused was acquitted. The investigation was led by Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Narcotics), based in Beaufort West.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, praised the teamwork of the arresting officers, investigators, and prosecution, saying:
“The successful prosecution in this matter is evidence that the strategic deployment of resources at entry and exit routes into the Western Cape is bearing fruit. This conviction and sentencing should serve as a deterrent to drug peddlers – once arrested, they will face the full might of the law.”
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
