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Flying Squad seizes drugs worth R4.5 million

Ricardo Teixeira — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:03:25 +0000

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Flying Squad have seized mandrax and cocaine worth an estimated R4.5 million during an intelligence-driven operation in Cape Town.

While conducting crime prevention patrols in the gang-affected areas of Belhar and Ravensmead on Saturday 23 November, officers responded to intelligence and spotted a suspicious vehicle traveling along Robert Sobukwe Road. After a brief chase, they successfully stopped the vehicle. Upon searching it, the officers discovered two bubble-wrapped bags and a sealed box, which the driver could not explain.

The driver and vehicle were then escorted to Ravensmead SAPS, where a more detailed search uncovered 38 plastic bags, each containing 1 000 mandrax tablets, along with 30 bags of uncut cocaine. The total estimated value of the drugs was R4.5 million.

The 44-year-old suspect was apprehended and charged with drug dealing and remains in custody as the investigation continues.

“This successful operation serves as a testament to the ongoing progress in the fight against the illegal drug trade in the Western Cape, particularly in gang-infested areas, as part of efforts to safeguard our communities,” the SAPS said in a statement.

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SAPS apprehends suspect with 13 firearms

Ricardo Teixeira — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:10:57 +0000

In the early hours of 07 November, members of the SAPS Flying Squad in White River were conducting a routine patrol when they spotted a white Toyota single-cab bakkie. The driver of the vehicle ignored the officers’ attempts to stop and instead sped off in an effort to evade capture.

A high-speed chase ensued as the SAPS Flying Squad pursued the suspect. After a ‘determined effort’, officers successfully brought the vehicle to a stop. Upon searching the vehicle, a significant cache of high-caliber firearms and ammunition was discovered.

The seized items include:

Eight AK-47 rifles
One R1 rifle
One R4 rifle
One R5 rifle
One pistol
One revolver
Two grenades
Dozens of live ammunition rounds

“This successful operation is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the SAPS Flying Squad in their ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” the SAPS said. “The swift and decisive action taken by the officers has undoubtedly prevented these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands, potentially saving lives and averting further harm.”

The suspect has been arrested and is facing charges related to the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they have been used in any previous criminal activities. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.

The SAPS said it remains steadfast in its mission to remove illegal firearms from the streets and bring those responsible for such criminal activities to justice.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the officers for their outstanding work. “Our Festive Season Operation is yielding positive results,” said the General. “This operation exemplifies the hard work and dedication of our members in keeping our communities safe.”

Meanwhile, the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, also praised the police for their success. “I am pleased with the recovery of these dangerous weapons, especially following the recent launch of the highway patrol initiative in the province,” said the MEC.

“It is deeply concerning and alarming that such dangerous weapons were in the possession of criminals. This raises serious questions about the safety of our province, as we cannot yet know the intended destination or purpose of these firearms. We hope the arrested suspect will provide more insight into this matter,” he added.

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