Police across the Nelson Mandela Bay District came down hard and fast on criminals this weekend which resulted in the confiscation of drugs and three firearms coupled with significant arrests.

On Friday, 30 September 2022 at about 14:00 an intelligence led operation executed by Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) members resulted in the confiscation of a stolen firearm and arrest of a suspect. It is alleged that while police were executing a search warrant at a house in Esterhuizen Street in Bethelsdorp, they noticed the suspect throwing something over the wall. A 9mm pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition was found on the roof of a house. The firearm was reported stolen in Bethelsdorp earlier in the month. The 30-year-old suspect was detained on a charge of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. During the search of the yard, members also seized 31 small packets of tik and cash. An enquiry was opened as the drugs were found in the toilet.

On Saturday 1 October 2022 at about 15:20, SAPS Mount Road members were patrolling in Kempton Road when they noticed three males walking up the road. One male caught their attention as he was behaving suspiciously. Members noticed the male pushing a silver object into his pants. When the members approached them, they started running and as they were about to board a taxi, the members succeeded in blocking them off. All four males were searched and the 35-year-old suspect was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

The illegal possession of Schedule 5 and 6 medicines is rife in the Northern areas and police are clamping down on people selling these type of medicines to the community. On Saturday, 1 October 2022, Anti-Gang Unit members executed a search warrant at a house in Highfield Road in Schauderville. A female, aged unknown was arrested under the Medicine Controls Act – illegal possession of Schedule 5 and 6 medicines. A total of 8416 tablets (various prescriptions) and cash were confiscated.

Also on Saturday, 1 October 2022 at about 11:05, AGU members executed a search warrant at a house in Mitchell Street in Kariega. A total of 268 mandrax tablets, 3 packets of tik, cash and two laptops were recovered behind an outbuilding on the premises. The estimated street value is R14 000. An enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.

At about 20:20 last night, 1 October 2022, AGU members followed up on information received of a VW Polo doing the rounds in Shauderville, selling drugs in the area. The members searched for the vehicle and spotted it in Fettis Road in North End. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was found in possession of cocaine. A search of the vehicle resulted in a further confiscation of 22 zip lock bags of cocaine (total weight 16,5 grams) with an estimated street value of R20 000. A substantial amount of cash was also seized. The vehicle was impounded and the 33-year-old suspect was arrested and detained for dealing in drugs.

During the early hours of this morning, 2 October 2022 at about 00:38, SAPS Gelvandale members were on foot patrols in their hotspot areas when they spotted two males walking in Drew Street in Shauderville. On questioning and searching them, a revolver, one round of ammunition, a pepper spray canister and 11 packets of tik were found in possession of a 15-year-old teenager. The teenager was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of drugs.

All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in their respective Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, 3 October 2022. The confiscated firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata commended the assiduous efforts of the members in making sure that drugs and firearms are off the streets in the metro. ‘It is concern that there are a large amount of illegal firearms that are circulating within our communities. These firearms are used to commit serious crimes. We urge the communities to continue to inform the police, either voluntary or anonymously of these illegal weapons. The confiscation of drugs this weekend indicates that we, the police are resolute in clamping and closing down on drug pedlars. These operations will continue until the drug traffickers are apprehended and their illegal trade crushed,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.

Source: South African Police Service