A Hawks’ Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) and crime intelligence operation led to the arrest of a 24-year-old suspect and the recovery of drugs valued at more than R8.9 million after a swoop in Somerset West.
The suspect, Mogamat Hayners of Hanover Park, was arrested and appeared briefly in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday November 14, according to Somerset West SAPS station commander, Colonel Mary Ann Williams.
“The suspect will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Thursday November 22, for a bail application,” Colonel Williams told Bolander on Friday.
“The drugs seized consisted of 1kg of heroin valued at R380 000, 6kg of tik (methamphetamine) valued at R1.8 million, and 150 000 mandrax tablets valued at R6.75 million. A silver Audi was also seized.”
The Hawks officers were acting on a tip-off that narcotics were clandestinely being kept inside a storeroom.
Commenting on the success of the operation, Hawks national head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, applauded the arrest and discovery by the multidisciplinary team, adding that the identification and seizure of the drugs demonstrated the police’s commitment to reducing the availability of dangerous drugs in and around Cape Town.
Colonel Williams expressed her satisfaction with the large quantity of drugs confiscated and seized before they could be distributed and find their way onto the streets.
“I want to thank the community for the information that led to the arrest, and I want to encourage the community to work in partnership with the police in our efforts to fight crime in our area. This success is truly celebrated.”
