The police believe they made a breakthrough in the fight against drugs after a major drug bust. Yesterday, the police from the Free State, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape intercepted a truck transporting drugs during the Interprovincial Crime-Combat Operation.

DRUGS WORTH R50 MILLION SEIZED

Police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said the North Detectives and Crime Intelligence members were conducting a tracing operation when they received information about a truck travelling from Smithfield to Aliwal North, suspected of transporting drugs. She said the vehicle was intercepted at the bridge and escorted into the town for a thorough search yesterday, just after 10 am. "The K9 unit and local criminal record centre were summoned to the scene in response. A detailed search of the truck led to the discovery of 12 large bags of crystal meth," she added. Earle added that the drugs weighed a total of 313.5 kg with an estimated street value of R50 million.

SUSPECT ARRESTED

A 35-year-old man from Gauteng who is both the driver and owner of the truck was arrested and charged with possession of drugs. He will appear in the Aliwal North Magistrate's Court soon. The truck used in the transportation of the drugs was also confiscated.