R23-million in heroin case postponed
KENSINGTON B – Suspected drug dealers will appear in court again for 19kg heroin bust on 17 October.
The case against six Tanzanian nationals arrested after the Hawks seized 19kg of heroin in June, has been postponed to 17 October at Randburg Magistrates’ Court.
The six suspects, five men and one woman, appeared briefly in court on 26 September, where their defence attorneys requested to view incriminating video footage taken while the Hawks surveyed and investigated the group, who are believed to be part of an international drug syndicate.
The heroin was estimated to be worth R 23-million and was allegedly produced in Canada before making its way to South Africa, where the suspects were arrested with the drugs in Vereeniging.
Heroin is one of the main ingredients in ‘nyaope’, a highly addictive and destructive concoction which also contains cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, and other psychoactive drugs. Rat poison and swimming pool chlorine is sometimes added to the mix as well.
The drug is becoming more and more popular among impoverished youths in South Africa and is cause for great concern due to its damaging nature.
“We will be handing the video footage over to the defence attorneys, as per the court’s instructions,” stated Hawks spokesperson, Captain Paul Ramoloko. “This will enable the defence to see the extent in which their clients are involved in the crimes committed.”
Ramoloko could not divulge who their international counterparts in the investigation are, however. “Our network cannot be exposed to international drug syndicates.”
