Pretoria – The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Drug Unit in Pretoria West this week made several arrests for drug dealing and recovered narcotics worth more than half a million rand.
Tshwane Mayor Randall Williams on Friday said the TMPD arrested 11 foreign nationals and recovered illicit drugs worth about R700 000.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday in Pretoria West for drug dealing.
The arrests were made during a joint operation with Crime Intelligence. The group was found in possession of the Khat plant worth an estimated street value of R200 000.
Two of the suspects are Somalian foreign nationals.
“In another successful law enforcement operation, a group of four male foreign nationals from Tanzania was arrested for dealing and possession of drugs in Pretoria West last night,” said the mayor.
“Further investigations led to the arrest of three more Tanzanian female suspects who are related to the four suspects.”
They were all dealing with drugs (nyaope) in the Atteridgeville, Hercules, and Wonderboompoort areas.
Nyaope (also called Whoonga consists of dagga/marijuana, heroin, or methamphetamine) is one of the cheapest, most widespread, and most dangerous addictive substances in South Africa.
The drugs found in their possession had an estimated street value of close to R500 000.
In a third separate incident, TMPD arrested two Nigerian nationals in Mamelodi for dealing with and possessing illicit drugs.
The Nigerian suspects were found with 380 packets of nyaope.
“Overall, a total of 11 drug dealers who are foreign nationals were arrested and removed from the streets during the three operations,” said Mayor Williams.
“I want to thank our TMPD officers for doing a brilliant job in protecting our communities and young people from drugs.
“In recent weeks, the TMPD has made several major drug busts and should be commended by all for their work.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report any crime to the nearest police station or the TMPD on 012 358 7095.
