Alleged drug mules nabbed with crystal meth worth R2m in Ekurhuleni
Two people who were allegedly on their way to Israel with crystal meth in their luggage were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport.
Pieter Johan Cristie (51) and Belinda Butcher (52), who were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport with R2m worth of crystal meth last month, are due to again appear in court on November 28.
The pair recently appeared at Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court, where the case was postponed.
The couple is believed to have previously lived in the Eastern Cape and worked as car guards in and around Port Edward and Uvongo.
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela says Christie and Butcher were each granted bail of R5 000.
However, both remain in custody as bail has not yet been paid.
Cristie and Butcher were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation for allegedly dealing in drugs, as well as for being in contravention of the Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992.
Mavimbela says information was received about two alleged drug mules who were to travel from South Africa to Israel, transporting drugs.
The two were identified, and a search ensued. It revealed 1.75kg of crystal meth in Cristie’s luggage and 0.90kg of crystal meth in Butcher’s luggage.
The estimated value of the drugs is R2m.
Mavimbela says investigations also revealed that this was not the suspects’ first attempt at trafficking drugs.
The joint multi-disciplinary operation comprised Hawks, Crime Intelligence, OR Tambo K9 Dog Unit, State Security Agency, SARS Customs and Etihad Airlines.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, commended the investigation team on their success.
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