Drugs seized, three arrested in undercover operations |10 December 2011

The operation was also successful in identifying a number of key participants in the illicit drug trade, says a communiqué from the NDEA.

The men have been remanded in custody to allow for the case to be fully investigated, after which further hearings will be held until a final determination has been arrived at by the courts.

In a separate operation on Sunday December 4, NDEA agents arrested a male and a female for trafficking in cannabis; both persons have been remanded in custody.
 
Noting that it has intensified its operations against the organisers and financers of drug trafficking,  the NDEA says it has partnered with a number of regional law enforcement agencies to target persons involved in the illicit drug trade, individuals and companies who allow themselves to be used to support the illicit drug trade through the transfer or carrying of money or anyone who knowingly assists the illicit trade.   

“The practice where known drug dealers use the proceeds of their crime to set up in business in an attempt to legitimise their ill gotten gains will be thoroughly investigated,” says the NDEA. The NDEA and FIU have initiated a number of joint investigations into the financing of the illicit drug trade and associated money laundering.

The NDEA wishes to reassure the public that there are no “untouchables” regardless of position or status.
“To assist in these operations the NDEA needs the cooperation of the public and we strongly urge anyone with information to come forward,” says the NDEA communiqué.

“Information can be left on 4610910; this number connects to an answering machine where information can be left anonymously or if you wish to speak with an agent call 2781450.”