Metro police’s K9 Narcotics Tactical Unit caught three suspects red-handed who were dealing with controlled medical substances in Sandton.
The officers received information from the Crime Intelligence Unit regarding a syndicate allegedly dealing in an embalming compound, which is a controlled medical substance, MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun said.
“Police have been tracking the three male suspects for a week and finally had the opportunity to arrest them while they were doing their drop-off at the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. R400 000 worth of embalming compound was then seized.
“The substance is medically used to slow down the decomposition of human remains and contains formaldehyde, methanol, ethanol, other solvents and uranium. It has been reported that this substance is also used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs and can fetch up to US$2 000 [almost R28 000] per kilogram on the black market,” Sun said.
“The suspects are facing criminal prosecution for possession of controlled substances in contravention of the Medicines and Related Substance Act 101 of 1965, and are being detained at the Sandton Police Station.”
Illicit substance trade is apparently becoming more sophisticated, and Sun said dealers are conducting their criminal business out in the open.
“We will continue to crack down on all criminal syndicates in Johannesburg, and teach criminals that they are not welcome in our city.”
Shortly after the crime statistics for 2017 were released, Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba said there had been a focus on increased visible policing, with the re-launching of the K9 unit. The unit has since arrested 195 people for possession of drugs, 205 for being in possession of stolen motor vehicles, 46 for hijacking and 39 for the possession of unlicensed firearms.
In the coming year, the mayor said he will try to raise support for a change in policing so that local policing units like the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (Metro police)) will have their powers and capacity further strengthened.
“I want to see the JMPD more closely linked to the criminal justice system, with access to its own detention facilities so that when a criminal is arrested, they aren’t back on the street before the end of the day.
“I want to see our municipal courts functioning optimally with competent legal professionals ensuring the rule of law is observed.”
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