Update

ALBERTINIA NEWS - A self-proclaimed wholesale drug dealer, Senobia Vertyn (58) from Albertinia, who was found guilty of three charges of dealing in methamphetamines (tik) and mandrax, has been sentenced to seven years and six months' direct imprisonment.

Vertyn was sentenced in the Mossel Bay Regional Court on Monday, 25 April.

Her arrest follows a clandestine operation executed by Langeberg K9 member, Sgt JM Spangenberg in 2016.

Vertyn was arrested in December that year after a successful undercover police operation at her residence in Albertinia.

The operation was planned, initiated and spearheaded by Sgt Spangenberg, a narcotic detection dog handler from the Langeberg K9 Unit, Mossel Bay. He was assisted by constables Garnet Damans from Riversdale Police and Francois Fiellies 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.

The Langeberg K9 Unit said it was delighted with the outcome of the court case and with the heavy sentence.

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