Police have seized crystal meth worth an estimated R3 million hidden beneath a mattress in Diepsloot, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect during an intelligence-driven operation targeting drug trafficking in Gauteng.
The arrest followed an operation conducted by Counter Narcotics Crime Intelligence, the West Rand Tactical Response Team and the West Rand K9 Unit on Sunday, May 31.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said officers acted on information about two men allegedly dealing drugs in Diepsloot.
“The team operationalised information about two men dealing in drugs at Diepsloot. The place was identified and upon searching the premises, the team found a black refuse bag hidden under a mattress containing suspected crystal meth drugs with an estimated street value of approximately R3 million.”
The recovered drugs weighed approximately 10kg.
Nevhuhulwi said a 35-year-old man found at the property was arrested and charged with possession of drugs, while investigations continue to locate another suspect believed to be linked to the operation.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised officers involved in the operation.
“We remain committed in removing drugs from our streets and hold those responsible accountable. Drug peddling will not be tolerated in our province,” said Mthombeni.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Monday, June 1.
The Diepsloot seizure comes just days after South African border authorities intercepted a massive drug consignment valued at nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. During an intelligence-led operation, officials discovered 713kg of methaqualone, a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of mandrax, concealed in a truck entering the country from Malawi.
Three suspects were arrested, with authorities describing the bust as one of the largest drug interceptions in recent years.
The back-to-back seizures have renewed concerns about the scale of organised drug trafficking networks operating across South Africa.
Anti-crime activists and law enforcement agencies have warned that criminal syndicates continue to exploit vulnerable communities by flooding them with narcotics, fuelling addiction, violence and other forms of organised crime.
Authorities said recent successes demonstrate the growing impact of intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting the drug trade from border posts to local communities.
The Star
