As part of the EMPD’s regular systematic anti-drugs operations, members of the EMPD Drug Enforcement Unit descended on 1st Street and pounced on three suspected drug dealers in separate incidents on October 12.
According to EMPD spokesperson Kobeli Mokheseng, while officers were carrying out their official duties on Monday, they noticed a suspicious-looking man idling at the corner of 1st Street and 13th Avenue. He was searched and found in possession of three half and full Mandrax tablets and three ziplocks of khat, all valued at R1 000. The drugs and his R870 suspected to be proceeds of crime were seized.
While en route to the Boksburg North Police Station with the arrested suspect, officers noticed another suspicious-looking man at the corner of Cason and 11th streets. He reportedly appeared to be very nervous when he noticed the approaching officers.
He was found in possession of 97 half and full Mandrax tablets, before leading officers to his home on Champion Street, where a female occupant was also arrested after seven ziplocks of khat, a portable digital scale, 43 ziplocks and three of 149 two gram plastic packets containing brown and white crystal meth valued at R350 000 were uncovered.
The trio is facing charges of possession of drugs with intent to sell and are expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
Increase in drug-related crime
For years, residents and business operators in Boksburg North, 1st, 2nd and 3rd streets in particular, have been complaining about increasing drug-related crimes threatening their businesses.
Operators interviewed by this publication in our previous story on drugs said they have had to put up with a gang of men who brazenly carry out their dealings outside businesses and residential properties in the area.
Admitted
Boksburg North police previously admitted they were aware of reports suggesting the area, which is a stone’s throw away from the police station, had become drug-dealing hot spots, saying members were regularly conducting intelligence-driven joint operations to nab the drug traders.
The country’s crime statistics for 2019/20 show the Boksburg North Police Station alone recorded 790 drug-related cases during the period, 13 per cent up compared to the previous year. This was the second highest figure recorded in the past 10 years.
