SAPS drug raids net four suspects across three provinces
Notably, three of the four suspects arrested were South African citizens, while the fourth was a Nigerian national.
Four suspected drug dealers were arrested in separate police operations across three provinces this weekend, with police seizing various narcotics as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on the drug trade.
Notably, three of the four suspects arrested were South African citizens, while the fourth was a Nigerian national.
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The arrests were made in the Eastern Cape, North West and Western Cape.
In the Eastern Cape, a 23-year-old South African man was arrested in Reservoir Hills after members of the South African Police Service executed a search warrant at a house in Oeivaar Street in the early hours of Friday morning.
Police said officers arrived at the residence at about 2:20 am.
The homeowner allegedly opened the door but fled when he realised it was police, grabbing a backpack before running.
Members gave chase and, during the pursuit, the suspect allegedly dropped the backpack. Officers recovered the bag and cut it open in the suspect’s presence.
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Inside, police found 350 packets of tik, 175 Mandrax tablets and 136 packets of khat, with an estimated street value of about R16 000.
Police said evidence at the house indicated the suspect had allegedly been packaging drugs for distribution.
He is expected to appear in the Despatch Magistrate’s Court on a charge of dealing in drugs.
In the North West, a 35-year-old Nigerian national was arrested in Potchefstroom after police acted on information about suspected drug activity.
Police said information pointed to drugs allegedly concealed in an alley behind a local bakery. Further investigation led officers to a flat where the suspect had reportedly been seen.
During a search, police allegedly found drugs and an undisclosed amount of cash in his possession.
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He is expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of dealing in drugs.
North West Provincial Commissioner Ryno Naidoo condemned the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, describing them as a serious threat to community safety.
Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, two South African men aged 34 and 21 were arrested during separate drug busts in Long Street, Cape Town.
Members of Operation Prosper acted on information about suspected drug dealing and searched two premises on Friday night.
In the first raid, police allegedly found 108 ecstasy tablets and arrested a 34-year-old suspect.
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In a second nearby raid, officers found a further 144 ecstasy tablets and arrested a 21-year-old suspect.
The two suspects are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of possession of drugs.
