A coordinated anti-drug operation in Ekurhuleni has resulted in the seizure of crystal meth with an estimated street value of R250,000 and the arrest of two foreign nationals, as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to combat organised drug crime in Gauteng.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Intervention Unit together with the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks. Officers targeted two properties in Acasia Estate, Edenvale, after receiving intelligence suggesting they were being used for drug trafficking.
Investigators executed coordinated searches at both locations, leading to significant drug seizures and the arrest of two male suspects.
Police Raid Two Suspected Drug Houses
According to EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa, officers first searched one of the identified properties where they arrested a 48-year-old foreign national.
Police allegedly recovered 162.21 grams of crushed crystal meth from the residence. Authorities estimate the drugs have a street value of approximately R150,000.
The operation then moved to a second property located at the intersection of 6th Avenue and 11th Street.
There, officers arrested a 27-year-old foreign national who was allegedly found in possession of 1,071.33 grams of uncrushed crystal meth valued at around R100,000.
Both suspects were taken into custody and detained at Edenvale Police Station. They are expected to appear before the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to the possession of illicit drugs.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by police to dismantle suspected drug distribution networks operating within Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas.
Separate Arrest Linked To Madlanga Commission
In a separate development on the same day, suspended City of Ekurhuleni Head of Legal Services Kemi Behari was arrested following a disciplinary hearing at the municipality’s headquarters in Germiston.
Behari was taken into custody by the Madlanga Commission Recommendations Task Team after leaving the hearing.
His arrest follows allegations that emerged during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where evidence suggested he may have assisted EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi in avoiding disciplinary action.
South African Police Service spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that an active takedown operation linked to the Commission’s recommendations was underway on Wednesday.
While the two cases are unrelated, both developments highlight ongoing law enforcement efforts targeting organised crime, corruption and criminal activity across Gauteng.
Investigations into both matters remain ongoing.
Source: The Citizen