The suspect, who was travelling from Kimberley to Douglas, was arrested in possession of 150 units of Mandrax tablets after the police received a tip-off. 

Police spokesperson, Olebogeng Tawana, says the taxi was pulled off and upon searching commuters, the suspect was allegedly found with the drugs. The 24-year-old suspect will appear before the Douglas Magistrate's Court on a count of possession of Mandrax. 

The Northern Cape Police Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Reggie Motabogi, has meanwhile commended the police for the arrest and sent a stern warning against acts of crime. 

Substance abuse has emerged as one of the reasons for the spike in crime during the first quarter of 2021. Police Minister Bheki Cele, releasing crime statistics earlier this month, indicated that cases of rape and murder in the country have increased and that many are also linked to the use of substance abuse.

OFM News