FOREIGN NATIONAL CONVICTED FOR SMUGGLING COCAINE WORTH R2.2 MILLION
NORTH WEST – Disomo John Laurent (43) was convicted before the Lehurutse Regional court on 22 September 2023 for smuggling cocaine into South Africa worth over R2.2 million, through the Swartkopfontein Port of Entry.
On 28 August 2022, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and officials of the Swartkopfontein Port of Entry were conducting cross-border operations when a taxi that was traveling from Botswana to South Africa was searched. During the search, the accused was found in possession of three bags of cocaine which were hidden in false compartments within his two backpacks.
The accused was arrested and charged with contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992. He was remanded in custody and made a series of court appearances until he was sentenced to five years imprisonment or R30 000 fine. Additionally, he was sentenced to ten years imprisonment which was wholly suspended for five years. He will therefore serve an effective five years prison term.
The Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director for Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari welcomed the conviction and lauded the sterling work by the investigating officer and the prosecutor.
