Drug kingpins ARRESTED IN GEORGE
Four suspects, two of whom the police suspect to be major drug lords in the area, were arrested in connection with alleged drug dealing and the possession of illegal firearms during integrated operations in Conville and George last weekend.
The alleged drug lords, Philip Meas (48) and a 53-year old man, as well as Nicolene Meyer (32) and a fourth suspect (52), were arrested after illegal drugs with an estimated street value of R6 000, as well as R1 000 in cash, was confiscated from them. The fourth suspect was scheduled to appear in court yesterday. They reside in the Rosemoor and Conville area respectively. Two of the suspects' names are withheld because they have not appeared in court.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie said this was an intelligence-driven operation, based on information received from the community and the gathering of information through their crime intelligence structures.
"This integrated operation was initiated and led by Conville police and assisted in execution by members attached to provincial organised crime: narcotics section, public order police (Pops), Eden Cluster crime combating team (CCCT) and Outeniqua K-9 (George dog unit)," he said.
The suspects face six counts of dealing in drugs (Mandrax and tik).
"Two of the suspects, the female and one of the men, are facing additional counts of possession of unlicensed firearms following searches at their premises that led to the discovery and confiscation of an unlicensed firearm with five live rounds of ammunition as well as two replica firearms, bringing the total charges to eight," said Pojie.
Eden Cluster commander, Maj-Gen Oswald Reddy, personally visited some of the operations over the weekend.
He commended the members involved for their commitment to ridding society of the scourges of drug abuse and trafficking and encouraged them to continue doing so. He also praised community members who are taking a firm stance.
"Information from the community is key to our successes," he said.
It was confirmed that Meyer was released on bail of R500 on Monday. Meas remains in custody and will appear again on 26 February. Details surrounding future court appearances of the other two suspects could not be confirmed at the time of going to print.