A 21-year-old man was apprehended in Atlantis on Wednesday 21 October after Metro Police K9 canine Bunny sniffed a firearm and drug stash out during a raid.

The search was part of an integrated operation led by the City’s Safety and Security teams during the monthly Mayoral Blitz.

K9 Bunny is a working sniffer dog famous for helping officers uncover a major drug bust in Bellville worth more than R130 000.

Operation

The day started early for officers as they gathered in the Atlantis CBD to attend to complaints regarding driving behaviour. In the early morning operation Traffic Services officers executed 115 warrants, impounded six vehicles, arrested one driver for 13 outstanding warrants and issued fines to the value of R9 000.

Later that day loud cheers were heard in Zealand Street, where K9 Bunny led his handler to a firearm stashed under a mattress. During the search, which was done in collaboration with Atlantis police, the four-legged officer also sniffed 22 packets of tik and six rounds of ammunition out.

Arrest

The 21-year-old man was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and of drugs.

“Over the years the City has made significant investments into building a successful K9 unit,” said Mayco member for Safety and security JP Smith.

“I also want to thank the teams from Metro Police, Traffic Services and Law Enforcement who participated in the Mayoral Blitz. It was encouraging to see officers engaging with the community. In the blitz officers conducted searches at multiple properties and inspected various liquor outlets.”

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