Five arrested in separate Mandrax busts as police seize guns and drug-making equipment

Five suspects have been arrested in two separate Mandrax-related drug busts in Gauteng, with police uncovering an alleged drug laboratory and seizing four firearms in one operation.

Four suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation at a property in Scheerpoort near Hartbeespoortdam on Tuesday, while a fifth suspect was arrested separately in Tshwane after allegedly being found with more than 100 Mandrax tablets.

The arrests form part of wider police operations targeting drugs, illegal firearms and other serious crimes.

Alleged Mandrax lab uncovered near Harties

The biggest bust took place at a property in Scheerpoort, near Hartbeespoortdam.

According to North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, crime prevention officers received information about suspected illegal activity taking place at the property.

When police arrived, they found three women and one man on the premises.

A search allegedly uncovered what appeared to be a drug laboratory, along with processed drugs, a mixture believed to be used in drug production and equipment allegedly linked to the manufacturing process.

Police also seized four firearms, consisting of a rifle and three handguns.

The four suspects include a 39-year-old Zimbabwean man and three women aged between 23 and 29.

They face charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as the alleged dealing and manufacturing of drugs.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court.

More than 100 Mandrax tablets seized in Tshwane

The second bust took place in Tshwane over the weekend.

Tshwane Metro Police Department’s drug unit received information about a woman who had allegedly received a suspicious package from an unknown person in Bosman on Sunday.

Officers followed up on the information and located a 44-year-old woman matching the description they had been given.

A search allegedly led to the discovery of a package containing more than 100 Mandrax tablets.

TMPD spokesperson Colonel Isaac Mahamba said the woman told officers that she was allegedly preparing to deliver the package to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.

She was arrested and detained at a local police station while the investigation continued.

She is expected to appear in court.

Thousands arrested in Operation Shanela

The two drug busts come as police continue their nationwide Operation Shanela operations.

Over a recent seven-day period, police recorded 14,581 arrests across South Africa, according to SAPS.

Of those arrested, 1,811 were wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes.

Drug-related arrests accounted for a significant portion of the operation.

Police arrested 2,506 people for alleged possession of drugs, while another 219 suspects were arrested for alleged drug dealing.

Firearms and stolen vehicles also seized

The operation also targeted illegal firearms and vehicle-related crime.

Police confiscated 110 unlicensed firearms during the seven-day period.

A further 59 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the figures reflected ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks and remove illegal weapons and drugs from communities.

The latest arrests also highlight the different levels of the illegal drug trade being targeted, from people allegedly found transporting Mandrax tablets to properties suspected of being used for manufacturing drugs.

The suspects in both cases remain accused at this stage and will have an opportunity to respond to the charges in court.

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Source: The Citizen