Sophiatown police seize mandrax tablets worth R60k in Westbury

Sophiatown police, in conjunction with members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) also known as “Amaberete”, conducted an operation after receiving information of illegal drugs being sold at the flats in Dowling Avenue in Westbury, reports Westside-Eldos.

According to the communications officer Jerbes de Bruyn, upon arrival, the police seized 1,510 mandrax tablets to the street value of R60,400.

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When it comes to the ranking in the world, South African is said to be the largest abuser of the mandrax drug according to the website: drugaware.co.za.

The website also indicates that the drug is a mixture of different chemicals with the active ingredient being methaqualone.

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the drug surfaced as an effective sleeping tablet, and also assisted with treating high blood pressure and anxiety attacks. However, there were unpleasant and dangerous side effects to this drug, especially when consumed with marijuana and alcohol.

These side effects are life-threatening and caused psychological and physical dependence. After discovering the debilitating side effects of the drug, many countries banned its use, and since then, the drug has been stolen and sold on the streets.

Officer de Bruyn added: “A 38-year-old woman was arrested at the Westbury flats in connection with the illegal drugs and had appeared in court for dealing in drugs. The operation forms part of the ongoing operation clampdown in Westbury.”

De Bruyn requests for members of the community to keep on providing the police with information linked to any illegal activities.

The public can contact the anti-drug hotline number at 071 686 0190.

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