By Kaya 959 Reporter
Four suspects have been arrested in a high-profile sting operation in Gauteng and the North West.
Police say the suspects are linked to a transnational drug enterprise in the USA, Mozambique, and South Africa.
“They have been on the radar of the authorities for a while. They have since been charged in terms of dealing in narcotics in terms of the drug trafficking Act – 140/1992,” says SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Nomthandazo Mbambo.
She says the meticulously planned sting operation was aimed at “disrupting the lethal global narcotics trade”. The operation took place in the Modderfontein and Buffelshoek policing precincts.
“[The operation] netted four foreign nationals aged between 38 and 54,” Mbambo says.
ALSO READ: Two arrested, R3m drugs seized in Benoni raid
Police seize drugs
Mbambo says police recovered about 60 kilograms of crystal meth. The drugs have a street value of about R7 million.
“Analysis between the local Forensic Science Laboratory and their US counterparts are underway following which an extradition arrangement to the USA may be explored,” she says.
The four suspects are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Hawks acting national head, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, applauded officers for the bust.
He says a multi-disciplinary operation by local and international stakeholders helped nab the suspects.
Mosikili adds that a recently conducted Transnational Organised Crime Conference also assisted with their efforts.
Officials discussed “implacable tactics to fight and win the war against transnational organised crime against drug trafficking” during the conference.
“Through such concerted efforts, we shall continue the onslaught against drug trafficking organisations.”
ALSO READ: Woman nabbed with mandrax destined for Johannesburg prison
