Bethal woman charged with possession of drugs

A woman (36) was apprehended at the Bethal Correctional Centre after she was found in possession of drugs. As per standard procedure, the woman was searched before she could entre to visit an inmate on Tuesday September 27.

According to a Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the woman was found with a black plastic bag concealed in her underwear.

“Inside the plastic bag was about 59 different types of tablets, as well as 20 small plastic bags and other substances including crushed leaves and a plastic bottle containing oil. The police were summoned to the scene where the female suspect was arrested and charged for illegal possession of drugs. The concealment thereof, was confiscated pending forensic investigation. The estimated street value of the alleged drugs is about R6 000. The investigation suggests that the alleged items were destined for an inmate. The matter is still under investigation,” said Mohlala.

He said the police and prison officials conducted a search of the inmate‘s bed where an additional plastic bag containing dagga was found.

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The inmate is also facing a charge of possession of dagga as well and will appear in court soon.

However, the woman appeared in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday September 27. Mohlala said a possible charge of drug trafficking might be added as the investigation continues.

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The case was postponed to October 5 for a formal bail hearing. She has been remanded in custody.