Drugs, weapons seized in Eastern Cape blitz

An intelligence-driven operation led to the recovery of drugs with an estimated street value of R7,850 in Makhanda on Saturday February 17.

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said a joint endeavour by Makhanda’s crime intelligence, highway patrol and crime prevention unit had resulted in the confiscation of 16 mandrax tablets, 4kg of loose dagga,32 sachets of dagga and 23 tik pipes.

“In a bid to curb serious and violent crimes in the Eastern Cape, the SAPS members confiscated firearms and drugs across the province between February 12-19,” Naidu said. “These successes reflect the tireless efforts of the police in safeguarding their communities.”

Successes included:

OR Tambo district, Sunday February 18: Public order policing members from Lusikisiki together with crime intelligence, arrested two suspects with illegal firearms and ammunition at their homes.

OR Tambo district, Sunday February 18: The OR Tambo district task team apprehended three suspects in separate incidents on charges of dealing in drugs. The suspects were arrested in Qumbu, Manka and Tsolo. A total of 50 mandrax tablets, 81 sachets of dagga, 83 sachets of tik were confiscated. The estimated street value of the drugs was R10,000.

OR Tambo district, Monday February 19, 10am: OR Tambo tactical response team (TRT) and crime intelligence in Mthatha executed a search warrant at a house in Ngqwala, Viedgesville, in Bityi. Police confiscated 11 9mm cartridges and a suspected stolen VW Polo. Police noticed another man running away. He was caught and a 9mm pistol with rounds were confiscated and 401 tik sachets was found in his house.

Joe Gqabi district: Three suspects were arrested for aggravated robbery, one suspect arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and a warrant of arrest was executed on an accused wanted in a housebreaking case. One person was also issued with a fine for dealing in liquor without a licence.

During the operations, knives, dagga, 39,000 litres of concoction beer, copper/aluminium wire and vehicle rims were seized.