Drug bust after car overturns

In a surprise drug bust yesterday, police stumbled upon a car transporting R61 000 worth of mandrax tablets after it overturned and landed in the bushes along the N2 between Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay.

Police spokesman Sergeant Majola Nkohli said Humansdorp dog unit officers had been patrolling the N2 shortly before 8am when they spotted a Honda Ballade lying in the bushes about 20km from Jeffreys Bay.

The police had originally stopped to assist after seeing the driver of a white Opel Corsa, which had also stopped, moving around the car in what was thought to be an attempt to assist someone.

“On second glance, it appeared he was trying to gather drugs that had been stashed in the car,” Nkohli said.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the [Corsa] was trying to remove the drugs from the scene.” He said it was not known where the drugs had been destined for, but the vehicle had been heading towards Jeffreys Bay.

Three men, aged between 26 and 42, were arrested for dealing in and possession of mandrax. They are due to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Humansdorp Cluster commander Brigadier John Lebok said:

“This arrest is a testimony that if members are adhering to the pillars of the Back To Basics approach in policing, such as enhancing police visibility, crime would definitely fall. “I am pleased to see diligence and alertness from members when they are performing their duties.”