Kakamas crime sweep nets R300k cigarette bust, tik, mandrax and foreign suspects

ILLICIT cigarettes worth over R300,000, a stash of drugs, and undocumented foreign nationals were uncovered during a high-impact police operation in the Kakamas area.

The coordinated raid was conducted this week by the Upington Border Police in partnership with the K9 Unit and Customs officials. Acting on crime intelligence, officers swooped in on two local shops where they uncovered illicit cigarettes and tobacco products worth an estimated R315,463. The contraband was confiscated and handed over to Customs for further investigation.

While searching the premises, police also discovered three undocumented foreign nationals who were allegedly hiding on site. According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Omphile Masegela, the individuals were verified and arrested in terms of the Immigration Act.

The operation then shifted to a suspected drug house in Alheit, where officers uncovered mandrax tablets, tik, and dagga with a combined street value of R3,650. A male foreign national was arrested at the scene and is facing charges of dealing in drugs.

Sergeant Masegela said the police have reiterated their commitment to clamping down on criminal activity in the Northern Cape and ensuring that lawbreakers face the full might of the law.