By Staff Reporter
HOUGHTON – A major breakthrough in Johannesburg’s fight against drug trafficking has been recorded after law-enforcement officials raided a hijacked residential property in Houghton that was being used as a large-scale drug packaging and distribution centre.
The intelligence-driven joint operation involved the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit (TRU), the CCTV Crime Analysis and Tracing Team (CATT), and several supporting units.
Inside the property, officers discovered:A substantial amount of prescription cough syrup containing codeine — a Schedule 5 controlled substance that cannot be purchased over the counter and Processed dagga with an estimated street value of around R2 million.
The drugs were reportedly packaged and prepared for transportation to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, using cross-border buses and light delivery vehicles operated by informal couriers known as “Malayisha”.
Eight suspects were arrested on charges relating to possession and dealing in illicit drugs, as well as occupying a hijacked property. Investigations further revealed that tenants had been paying rent into a bank account registered under an unidentified individual.
MMC for Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, praised the successful operation, saying:
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to rooting out criminal syndicates exploiting hijacked properties to facilitate drug trafficking. Lawlessness in any form will not be tolerated in the City of Johannesburg. Further raids are imminent as additional leads are actively being pursued.”
Members of the public with information about hijacked buildings or drug-related activities are urged to contact JMPD at 011 758 9650
