Ongoing multi-disciplinary police operations conducted against illicit drug trading within the Mangaung Metro during May resulted in various arrests and the confiscation of illicit substances, including crystal meth, Mandrax and dagga.
The operations continue into June in Botshabelo, Bloemfontein and Thaba Nchu, with the Free State capital being a significant transit and distribution node for illicit drug networks. The suspects arrested have been appearing in different courts in the three towns.
The latest crackdown by the provincial Anti-Gang unit in Bloemfontein saw the arrest of two men and seizure of illicit substances with an estimated street value of R100 000 during Operation Shanela II on Saturday 30 May.
Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said arrests were made in Heidedal and Navalsig.
“The members tactically approached an identified residence in Navalsig. Upon searching the premises, they apprehended a 45-year-old foreign national male found in possession of diverse types of drugs, with an estimated street value of R20 000. An undisclosed amount of money believed to be the proceeds of crime was also confiscated,” stated Kareli.
He confirmed the police made another major discovery in Heidedal’s illicit drug networks, confiscating a large quantity of crystal meth with an estimated value of R80 000 at a private residence.
“A 26-year-old male suspect was subsequently arrested and an undisclosed amount of cash, suspected to be drug money, was also seized.”
* One of the notable recent successes in the Bloemfontein police’s continued fight against illicit drugs was their discovery of an illegal drug manufacturing laboratory being run from a private house in Kala Street, Bochabela, where a 40-year-old foreign national was arrested. The suspected drug dealer was apprehended on 9 May following the discovery of drugs, equipment used for producing several types of drugs, and foreign currency.
Lt. Col Thabo Covane, provincial spokesperson for the police, said the currency confiscated included that of Nigeria, Malaysia, the United Arab Emmirates and England. The value of drugs discovered is estimated at R289 477.
* Raids conducted from 14 to 18 May in Botshabelo saw the arrest of six suspected dealers, and the confiscation of drugs including Mandrax, dagga and crystal meth as well as 40 litres of concoction and beer.
On 16 May, police arrested two men in the Bloemfontein CBD for dealing in dagga after discovering substance worth about R10 000. Police state the drugs was concealed in a vehicle blocking a driveway in Charlotte Maxeke Street. A pocket scale and an undisclosed amount of money were confiscated.
