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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 discovers R4 million mandrax lab in Limpopo

Ricardo Teixeira — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 08:43:19 +0000

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has discovered another drug laboratory in Limpopo, where the illegal manufacturing of mandrax was carried out.

A joint operation conducted by the Limpopo Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad, and Lebowakgomo SAPS discovered the facility at Makotse Village in Lebowakgomo on 29 September 2024. The operation resulted in the seizure of drugs valued at approximately R4 million and the arrest of three suspects aged between 25 and 33.

The suspects were apprehended during an ongoing crackdown operation aimed at dismantling drug networks in the province. Police discovered a significant quantity of mandrax at one of the suspects’ residences and located the nearby drug manufacturing lab, along with various chemicals and substances used in production of the illegal narcotic.

The SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory has been dispatched to investigate the drug lab further. Security measures will remain in place at the site until the investigation is completed.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, commended the collaborative efforts of the various law enforcement agencies involved in this operation.

The suspects appeared before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on 30 September, facing charges of possession and dealing in drugs. Their case has been postponed until 7 October 2024, for a formal bail application.

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