Authorities have sentenced a 62-year-old man to 12 years in prison for drug dealing after police discovered a massive Mandrax haul in his car. As a result, the Beaufort West Regional Court handed down the sentence on February 25, marking a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking.
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said officers stopped Chad Berry at a Vehicle Check Point (VCP) on the N1 near Beaufort West in October 2022. Consequently, law enforcement took swift action to investigate further.
“During the operation, police stopped a suspicious silver Toyota Grande with one occupant. Officers searched the vehicle and, after a thorough inspection, found a false compartment containing 50 packets of Mandrax tablets worth R2.5 million. Additionally, they seized R11,500 in cash,” Vukubi said.
Court Sentencing and Asset Forfeiture
Following a detailed trial, the court found Berry guilty of drug dealing and sentenced him to 12 years in prison. Furthermore, officials ordered the confiscated cash forfeited to the state and deposited into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA). This decision reinforces the government’s commitment to dismantling drug networks.
Law enforcement agencies hailed the sentencing as a major step in disrupting drug syndicates in the Western Cape. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to combat organized crime.
Police and Hawks Praise Conviction
In response to the sentencing, Major General Makgato, head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, welcomed the conviction. He praised the collaborative efforts that led to Berry’s arrest and sentencing.
“This successful conviction highlights the effectiveness of our crime-fighting strategies. Teamwork among law enforcement agencies remains crucial in tackling drug trafficking,” Makgato said. Additionally, he encouraged continued cooperation between authorities and the public.
As a preventive measure, authorities continue urging communities to report drug-related activities. They remain steadfast in their mission to dismantle criminal syndicates and keep illegal substances off the streets.
