THREE DRUG DEALERS NABBED IN WELKOM

Photo : Crime Scene Logo

Supplied

By: Neo Ntsele

A well planned operation by the Free State Hawks' Serious Organized Crime Investigation team alongside Free State Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics and Welkom K9 Unit led to the arrest of three suspects aged between 34 and 40 in Welkom and Bronville last week Thursday 29.

During 2021, the Welkom based Hawks SOCI received intelligence driven information about the distribution of drugs in Welkom and surrounding areas. Measures to obtain permission to execute an investigation project were put in place. Eventually the project was registered allowing the team to use unconventional methods of investigation.

In 2022 the Director of Public Prosecution granted authority to conduct entrapment within the operation.

Persons of interest were identified and transactions were carried out, where narcotic drugs with the estimated street value of R15 000 were purchased from the targets. 

On 19 May 2025, the Welkom Magistrates'  Court granted warrants of arrest. 

The three suspects made their first appearance before the Welkom Magistrates' Court on Friday 30 May 2025, on charges of dealing in drugs and drug trafficking.