Secunda Hawks and Crime Intelligence Unit arrest suspected drug dealers
Evander is becoming known as a place for drug smuggling operations.
EVANDER – Nine alleged drug dealers were arrested by the Secunda Hawks and the Crime Intelligence Unit on Saturday morning, 6 September and more arrests are expected soon.
The leader of a syndicate was arrested in Springs where the drugs are manufactured and the suppliers were arrested in a bar in Evander.
Cocaine, heroin, methcathinone (Cat) and vehicles were recovered during the operation.
The dealers appeared in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Monday for dealing in drugs.
They will reappear for a bail hearing on 17 September and the State said it will oppose the bail.
A local police official who assisted the drug dealers was identified.
A case has been opened and will be forwarded to the National Director of Public Prosecutions for decision.
The syndicate was identified in an operation named Project Rainbow that has been running for the past two years through which unconventional and undercover methods were used.
Altogether 10 men have been arrested in the operation and two died during the investigation.
Lt Col William Mokonyama, Secunda Hawks commander, said they are making inroads in bringing these drug syndicates to book.
“Although it sometimes look as though the drug epidemic is out of control, we want to assure the community that we will not rest in our pursuit of eradicating drug syndicates.
“We warn those dealing in drugs in the area that we will not tolerate you in our area anymore.”
Lt Col Mokonyama said heroin use is the main problem in the area, because it is cheaper than most of the other drugs, about R40 per gram, whereas a gram of Cat can sell for up to R200.
Evander is becoming known as a centre for drug smuggling operations, mainly committed by Nigerians.
People with information about drug syndicates, can contact 072 776 4118.
