Suspect arrested after police find 295 bags of heroin hidden on top of geyser! Police in Pretoria made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug-related crimes over the weekend, arresting a suspected drug dealer and confiscating a large quantity of heroin and crystal meth.
Tshwane District Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk revealed that the suspect was apprehended following a community tip-off. The arrest led to the discovery of 295 brown-wrapped plastic bags containing heroin and five clear plastic bags of crystal meth, cleverly hidden on top of the geyser in the suspect’s room.
Community Collaboration Leads to Arrest
According to Van Dyk, Pretoria West police acted on intelligence received from local residents, who suspected a male individual of dealing drugs in Church Street.
“Officers verified the information, confirmed the address, and placed the premises under surveillance to monitor the suspect’s activities. When the suspect left the location, officers tactically approached and apprehended him,” Van Dyk said.
A search of the suspect’s room led to the discovery of the drugs. The suspect has since been charged with possession and dealing in drugs and is expected to appear in court soon.
Commendation for Police Efforts
Tshwane District Police Commander Major-General Samuel Thine commended the officers for their diligence. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and community members in addressing drug-related crimes.
“The success of this operation highlights how effective teamwork between law enforcement and local residents can be in curbing criminal activities,” Thine said.
Operation Shanela Nets Hundreds of Arrests
This arrest was part of the broader Operation Shanela, a nationwide crime-fighting initiative involving multi-stakeholder law enforcement teams. Over the long weekend, the Tshwane District in Hammanskraal alone saw the arrest of 366 suspects for various offenses.
Among those apprehended:
- 74 individuals for gender-based violence
- 34 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- 3 suspects for attempted murder
- 4 suspects for house robbery
- 1 suspect for rape
Additionally, 32 undocumented individuals were detained and are awaiting legal proceedings for deportation.
Crackdown on Alcohol-Related Offenses
The operation also tackled alcohol-related crimes, with officers conducting searches on 980 individuals and 520 vehicles.
Notable results included:
- The arrest of 22 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol
- Fines issued to 39 people for drinking in public
- Inspections of 20 liquor establishments, with 7 closed for non-compliance with the Liquor Act
- Confiscation of 201,970 millilitres of liquor
During these inspections, officers also arrested 3 individuals for possession of illicit cigarettes after finding 1,960 loose cigarettes in their possession.
Nationwide Impact of Shanela Operations
The success of Operation Shanela extends beyond Tshwane, with national police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi reporting that 15,871 suspects were arrested nationwide last week alone.
Among these arrests:
- 2,327 wanted suspects were detained for violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, and robberies.
- 119 firearms and 1,243 rounds of ammunition were confiscated, showcasing the ongoing efforts to curb illegal weapon possession.
Ongoing Commitment to Public Safety
The SAPS has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety through sustained operations like Shanela. Law enforcement officials continue to call for greater community participation in reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are crucial in combating crime.
Major-General Thine urged citizens to remain vigilant and proactive. “We cannot overstate the value of community involvement in the fight against crime. Together, we can build safer neighborhoods.”
Looking Ahead
The suspect arrested in Pretoria is expected to appear in court soon, while investigations into the broader drug network continue. The SAPS is determined to leverage its recent successes to intensify the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking, and other offenses threatening South Africa’s safety and security.
Through operations like Shanela, police aim to build stronger partnerships with communities to create a more secure environment for all.
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