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R280K Drug Haul in Hillbrow: JMPD’s Latest Move Against the City’s Drug Underworld

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1 month ago

July 31, 2025

Chiraag

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Police raid uncovers crack and nyaope stash in notorious Hillbrow flat.

In one of the city’s most densely populated and troubled precincts, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has made a substantial drug bust, intercepting narcotics worth nearly R280,000 in Hillbrow.

The operation was triggered by a community tip-off that led officers to a known drug den. What they found inside paints a grim picture of the challenges still plaguing Johannesburg’s inner city: crack rock valued at R92,000 and nyaope estimated at R187,500.

No arrests, but a serious warning shot

While no suspects were arrested at the scene, JMPD officials confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the individuals linked to the drug stash. Investigations are ongoing, with officers working to dismantle the broader network.

“The intelligence-led operation yielded a considerable haul of dangerous substances, preventing them from reaching the streets and harming our communities,” said JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla.

Not just a Hillbrow problem

This isn’t the first time Hillbrow has made headlines for drug-related activity. The area, long known for its high-density housing and complex social challenges, has been a hotspot for crime, particularly tied to substance abuse.

From children to adults, drug use in Johannesburg has been a growing concern. Past IOL reports have spotlighted heartbreaking stories of addiction across age groups, with many of the city’s petty crimes linked to dependency on substances like nyaope.

JMPD staying on the offensive

For JMPD Chief Commissioner Patrick Jaca, the Hillbrow bust reinforces the department’s mission to root out drug crime at its core.

“This operation is a testament to the JMPD’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drug-related crime from our city,” he said.
“We will continue to work tirelessly, using every resource and intelligence channel available to bring offenders to justice.”

Jaca also urged the public to keep reporting suspicious activity, emphasising the vital role of community support in fighting back against the drug trade.

What comes next?

According to Fihla, the JMPD will continue to monitor the area closely and provide updates as investigations unfold. The department remains committed to keeping Johannesburg safe and removing harmful substances from its streets.

With no arrests made yet, the bust sends a strong message: authorities are watching, and the city’s drug networks are not operating in the shadows unnoticed.