In a swift crackdown on drug trafficking, two Nigerian nationals were apprehended in separate raids conducted by a joint task force in the Vereeniging policing area of Gauteng’s Sedibeng District.
The coordinated operation, which took place on Thursday, June 13th between 7 am and 8 pm, was led by members of the Limpopo Provincial Organised Crime Narcotic Desk, Polokwane Crime Intelligence, Groblersdal Crime Intelligence, and National Organised Crime Units. Acting on intelligence reports about foreign nationals dealing in illicit drugs destined for distribution in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces, the authorities obtained a search warrant and sprang into action.
In the first raid, a 40-year-old male suspect was arrested at a residence in Colombus Crescent Street, Riverspray Lifestyle Estate, Vereeniging. The search of the premises led to the discovery of a stash of 4,000 Mandrax tablets, with an estimated street value of R200,000, hidden on the house’s balcony.
The operation then moved on to a second address on Stanley Avenue, where a mini-drug laboratory was uncovered. Authorities apprehended a 39-year-old male suspect and confiscated a significant quantity of suspected drugs, including nine packets of “cat” (methcathinone), three packets of crystal meth (tik), and a jar of crystal meth. In addition, production materials such as a plastic drum, buckets, liquid chemicals, and powder substances believed to be used in the manufacture of these illicit substances were seized.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the police spokesperson, commended the collaborative efforts of the Limpopo and Gauteng law enforcement teams in disrupting the drug supply chain and taking these dangerous substances off the streets. The two suspects are expected to appear before the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of drug dealing, possession of drugs, and possession of dependence-producing drugs.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of Police, praised the Limpopo investigators who worked alongside their Gauteng counterparts to uncover the drug laboratory, seize a substantial amount of drugs, and apprehend the suspects.
