Drugs worth R3 million believed to be destined for Cape Town has been confiscated on the N1 highway near Beaufort West.

Western Cape police officers conducting a crime prevention patrol spotted the Opel Corsa bakkie and pulled it over. The officers detected that the door panels had been tampered with. Removing the panels, they found at least 60 000 mandrax tablets.

The 57-year-old Free State driver was arrested. He is expected to appear in the Beaufort West Magistrate’s Court on a charge of dealing in drugs.

Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile has applauded the officers for their vigilance and commitment to eradicate drug trafficking. He adds that it remains a priority for police to rid communities of drugs which threatens the safety of the most vulnerable in society, especially women and children.