With recent efforts to address the drug trade in the Western Cape, the Worcester bust came as a huge reward for the K9 Unit. The suspect was caught on Tuesday night, 23 November.
Members of the Breede River K9 Unit were warned that a white Mercedes Benz Vito van was travelling towards Cape Town. They were tipped off that the van was travelling with drugs – seemingly destined for the holiday season.
K9 Unit member, Snoekie the sniffer dog saves the day
The K9 Unit reacted immediately and set up a roadblock in order to stop the target vehicle. Once the Mercedes Benz van was spotted, they stopped the vehicle so that Snoekie the sniffer dog and his handler can do a thorough search of the van.
It was during the search that Snoekie the dog reacted positively to drugs in a sealed compartment on the side of the van. This then led to the discovery of 20 000 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R800 000.
The driver of the vehicle was a 51-year-old man from Welgelegen. He was arrested and will be making a court appearance in Worcester once he has been charged with dealing drugs.
Media Statement: Suspect arrested by K9 Unit with 20 000 mandrax tablets in Worcester