![One of the unlicensed firearms that was recovered](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/IMG-20230222-WA0016_01722-e1677835113201-780x362.jpg)
Sophiatown police have had a busy, yet successful week which saw separate cases of men arrested for charges relating to drugs and firearms.
Sophiatown Police Spokesperson Captain TJ de Bruyn said, “We have had a good week and hope to continue on this trajectory as we try to keep our communities safe.”
He said members of the Sophiatown SAPS Crime Prevention Unit reacted to a tip-off from a community member about a suspect with an unlicensed firearm walking along Market Street in Newlands.
![Sophiatown police spokesperson Captain TJ de Bruyn](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/PXL_20220709_153126_61850-520x390.jpg)
The police swiftly apprehended the suspect and found the unlicensed firearm on him with multiple rounds of live ammunition. Later the same day, another tip-off was received about another suspect walking into Iris Court in Westbury. The unit responded and a chase ensued on foot after the suspect attempted to flee but he was quickly apprehended and an unlicensed firearm was found in his possession.
![Another one of the unlicensed firearms that was taken off the streets](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/IMG-20230222-WA0017_04922-e1677835202524-300x400.jpg)
In a separate stop and search operation, the police stopped a suspicious black BMW vehicle and discovered 60 mandrax tablets. A suspect was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and for dealing drugs.
Finally, the Organised Crime Tracing Unit and the Anti-Gang unit reacted swiftly on information collected which led to a man being caught in possession of a hijacked vehicle. Further information led police to a flat in Westbury where yet another unlicensed firearm was seized. Drugs were discovered with 400 mandrax tablets and 113 packets of crystal meth located behind the kitchen stove. A man was arrested on multiple charges.
![Some of the items seized by police officials](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/IMG-20230222-WA0018_80215-e1677835246998-299x400.jpg)