GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A self-proclaimed wholesale drug dealer, Senobia Vertyn (54) from Albertinia, was found guilty of three charges of dealing in methamphetamines (tik) and mandrax in the periodic regional court, Riversdale.
Judgment was passed on Friday, 21 January.
Vertyn was arrested in December 2016 after a successful undercover police operation was executed at her residence in Albertinia.
The operation was planned, initiated and spearheaded by Sergeant JM Spangenberg, a narcotic detection dog handler from the Langeberg K9 Unit, Mossel Bay. He was assisted by constables Damans from Riversdale Police and Fielies from the Albertinia Police Detective Unit.
Vertyn sold methamphetamines and mandrax to the value of R13 900 to an undercover agent. The team used sophisticated and modern investigative tools, which ensured the success of the operation.
Following Spangenberg opposing bail for Vertyn, her bail was initially denied. In 2017 she was granted bail by the Western Cape High Court to the amount of R10 000.
Spangenberg said he was delighted with the outcome of the case.
"We were able to engage the local supplier and micro dealers directly. In doing so, we derailed the supply chain. Thus, we forced the micro dealers to change their established tendencies, weakening their ability to prosper and exploit the weak and vulnerable members of the community."
The matter has been postponed to today, Friday 4 February and 11 March, when sentencing proceedings will also commence.
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