Western Cape drug busts: Three suspects arrested as SAPS seizes cocaine, heroin, crystal meth and ecstasy
Western Cape police intensified their fight against drug trafficking over the weekend, arresting three suspects during a series of targeted operations that uncovered cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, mandrax and ecstasy in communities plagued by crime and substance abuse.
The arrests formed part of Operation Prosper, an ongoing South African Police Service (SAPS) initiative aimed at disrupting the illegal drug trade and removing dealers from neighbourhoods considered especially vulnerable to organised crime and gang activity.
Police said the coordinated operations unfolded in the early hours of Sunday across Bellville, Delft and Hanover Park, resulting in multiple drug seizures and three arrests.
Bellville suspect arrested after police act on intelligence
The biggest seizure was made in Bellville after officers followed up on information about an individual allegedly selling drugs in Uys Krige Street.
Members located a man matching the description before searching him and the premises.
According to SAPS, officers recovered:
- 18 small packets of cocaine
- Three medium-sized packets of cocaine
- Two packets of crystal meth
- 30 mandrax tablets
- 30 ecstasy tablets
A 42-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of drugs.
Delft operation leads to second arrest
In Delft, officers were carrying out stop and search operations as part of efforts to curb gang violence and armed robberies in the area.
During one of the searches, police allegedly found a 33-year-old man carrying four packets containing cocaine.
He was arrested at the scene and now faces a charge of possession of drugs.
Hanover Park raid uncovers heroin
Police also responded to information about a woman allegedly dealing drugs in Surburg Walk, Hanover Park.
After tracing and searching the suspect, officers reportedly discovered 50 units of heroin in her possession.
The 47-year-old woman was arrested and has also been charged with possession of drugs.
Suspects expected in court
All three suspects are expected to appear in the Bellville and Athlone Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, where they will face charges relating to the possession of drugs.
The latest arrests form part of the Western Cape SAPS’ continued campaign to disrupt drug distribution networks and reduce the flow of illegal narcotics into communities affected by violence, gang activity and addiction.
Police have urged residents to continue reporting suspected drug-related activity, saying community information remains a key factor in identifying and apprehending those involved in the illegal drug trade.
