A Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) intelligence-led operation has intercepted a major drug packaging and distribution hub.
The bust happened inside a hijacked property in Houghton.
Reports indicate the traffickers intended to send the narcotics to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Police seize drugs in the raid?
According to a statement from the JMPD, the Tactical Response Unit, CCTV Crime Analysis and Tracing Team, and additional support units raided the house.
The house had been illegally occupied and repurposed for large-scale drug operations.
Inside, officers discovered a stockpile of prescription cough syrup containing codeine, a Schedule 5 controlled substance. They also found processed dagga valued at approximately R2 million.
Drugs transported through “Malayisha” networks
Authorities believe the traffickers had already packaged the consignment and prepared it for shipment across the border to Zimbabwe.
Traffickers planned to transport the drugs via cross-border buses. They also intended to use informal light-delivery vehicles operated by “Malayishas,” who regularly move goods between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Operation leads to eight arrests
Police arrested eight suspects linked to drug dealing and illegal occupation of the hijacked property. Investigations also revealed that the occupants had been paying rent into a bank account registered under an unidentified name.
This finding raised further concerns about organised criminal involvement.
JMPD vows continued drugs crackdown
Public Safety MMC Dr Mgcini Tshwaku congratulated the officers for the successful operation. He said it reflected the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to dismantling syndicates that use hijacked buildings to fuel cross-border drug trafficking.
“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,” he said.
The JMPD has urged members of the public to report suspected hijacked buildings or drug activity by contacting 011 758 9650.
