Edited by Kouga Chronicle: A couple caught in the Nxuba/Caddock area with drugs valued at an estimated +R1-million, were denied bail following the Hawks’ investigations into their drug trafficking operation in the area.
Leon Fortuin (44) and Desiree Hare (47) were charged with allegedly dealing in drugs and made a brief court appearance before the Nxuba Magistrate’s court on 8 April.
During a police operation, about 201 Mandrax tablets, 400 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine, two digital weighing instruments, 33 rounds of ammunition, nine cell phones, and an undisclosed amount of cash were confiscated from the couple.
The Gqeberha Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) within Serious Organised Crime Investigation secured victory in the criminal justice process by successfully opposing bail for the couple who allegedly ran a drug distribution syndicate operation in Nxuba and the surrounding areas. The couple was arrested by a multi-disciplinary team coordinated and integrated capabilities of the Hawks, Nxuba Crime Intelligence, Middleburg K9 Units, Nxuba, Graaff-Reinet SAPS, Chris Hani District Operational Command Centre, and the Provincial Local Criminal Record Centre on 26 February this year.
Investigations started in August last year following community-derived intelligence and recurring complaints relating to the distribution of illicit narcotics in the area. By proactive policing and a covert operation to dismantle the underlying structured operations of the alleged criminal enterprise, plus to arrest the culprits, the law enforcement team successfully succeeded in their efforts. This led to the arrest of the couple, allegedly the central actors in a distribution network.
The pair was allegedly involved in the supply of prohibited substances, especially Crystal Methamphetamine (Tik) and Mandrax to communities in the Nxuba area. They appeared in court several times until their bail was successfully denied by the Nxuba Magistrate’s court on 8 April. The case was postponed to 12 May 2026 for further investigation. The accused are being held in custody while investigations continue.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Brigadier Mluleki Dyasi, praised the investigative team for their meticulous diligence and acumen, which culminated in the successful bail denial of the accused.
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