Man arrested with heroine worth R52m

A MAN arrested in possession of drugs valued at R52-million is due to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate ’ s Court today.

The 42-year-old suspect, who cannot be named until he appears in court, was arrested on Sunday by the Hawks and the border integrity unit at Chrissiesmeer in Mpumalanga.

According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokeswoman Lieutenant Lucy Sekgotodi, the suspect, a Mozambican national, was driving around Chrissiesmeer when police pounced on him and found 52kg of heroine.

“The suspect was arrested on Sunday by the Hawks and the Ermelo branch of the boarder integrity unit.

“He was stopped in Chrissiesmeer while driving a Gautengregistered vehicle,” Sekgotodi said.

“Upon searching the car, 52kg of heroine with a street value of R52-million was recovered concealed in the extra fuel tank and space wheels (sic) and he was arrested on the spot,” she said.

She said police were still investigating where the drugs came from and where their intended destination was.

“We have not yet discovered where the drugs were from and also heading to.

“But the suspect is expected to appear on Tuesday in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court to face charges of dealing in drugs,” said Sekgotodi.