Joint operation nets several suspects

A combined operation, between the EMPD’s K9 Unit, the Edenvale CPF and Mamba, took place on Friday, May 6.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of narcotics, as well as several arrests.

The joint crime prevention operation was headed by Major Boone of the EMPD K9 Unit and started at 2pm. The operation continued until 7pm that evening.

“This joint effort resulted in the seizure of drugs, illicit cigarettes and vehicles displaying fraudulent number plates. Three suspects ended up behind bars,” said Lieutenant Colonel Wilfred Kgasago, the EMPD’s spokesperson.

“Dagga, cat and crystal meth valued at R21 000, and illicit cigarettes worth approximately R4 000, were confiscated,” he said.

Two vehicles were also impounded. One vehicle was sought by the police in connection with a hit and run accident that occurred in 2015 in Alexandra. However, the owner of the vehicle said it was a matter of confusion and that they had spoken to a detective about the matter.

The second vehicle, a BMW 7 Series, had a licence plate that was being used by three other vehicles. The owner said they had never registered the cars either.

“A Chinese national, displaying a Land Rover’s licence disc on his Ford Bantam Bakkie, was arrested for fraud. A Pakistani businessman was apprehended for possession of dagga and illicit cigarettes. All the confiscated drugs and illicit cigarettes were booked in at the Edenvale Police Station. The seized vehicles were taken to the SAPS Van Ryn Deep pound in Benoni,” said Lt Col Kgasago.

“The operation was successful” said Mrs Linda Mckenzie, the manager of the Edenvale City Improvement District (ECID).

The three arrested suspects face charges of possession of illicit substances, illegal cigarettes and fraud. They appeared in the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

According to Maj Boone, the suspects facing narcotics-related charges can face between 15 and 20 years in prison.