Less than a week after its relaunch, the Metro police K9 Narcotics Tactical Unit made a huge discovery in Jorissen Street, Braamfontein – 56,28 kg of marijuana with an estimated R1,2 million street value.
The City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun said Metro police officer Sergeant RS Zwane received information about a large amount of marijuana being off-loaded in Jorissen Street.
The vehicle was stopped and searched and the drugs were found.
“Zwane called for backup from the South African Police Services… The operation went to a room within the building where the [marijuana] was seized,” Sun said.
The MMC said the sergeant recognised the occupant of the room as a suspect he had previously arrested in February for a similar offence.
“I have since been informed that during the gathering of evidence and the investigation, a higher-ranking South African Police captain mysteriously arrived and demanded the return of her suspect,” he said.
Sun said the suspect is believed to be the main supplier in the area.
“We will follow up on the case with the case number,” Sun said.
Since the launch of the reorganised unit, 38 arrests have been reported in four days.
Sun said 18 were for dealing or possession of illicit substances, 20 relating to hijacking, robberies, assault, unlicenced firearms, fraud and possession of stolen vehicles or goods.
“Seven hijacked or stolen vehicles were recovered, five unlicenced firearms recovered and large amounts of cash, watches and electronics were also recovered,” he said.
Everything has since been handed over to South African Police for further investigation.
“I am highly impressed at the speed and success at which the unit is achieving. The unit is taking an unprecedented victory and the City is now finally gaining an upper hand in this war against crime.
“Some of the successful busts are as a direct result of community involvement, the residents of Johannesburg must be proud of this momentous victory,” Sun said.
He added that while the City celebrates this early success, “we must not be fooled to believe that this war is over, there is still much work to be done”.
The Provincial Commissioner’s office has been contacted for comment and will be added as soon as it is received.
