Mandrax and crystal meth worth R65 000 confiscated in raid

Drugs with an estimated street value of R65 000 have been seized in Bloemfontein, and three suspects were arrested in two separate anti-gang unit operations. The Provincial Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) confiscated mandrax tablets and crystal meth during a raid at a residence in Kopanong on Tuesday 8pm. According to police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, officers executed a search warrant at premises suspected of being used as a drug trafficking hub.

“The estimated street value of the drugs is approximately R65 000.00. A substantial amount of cash suspected to be proceeds of crime was also confiscated,” said Kareli. A 30-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested and charged with dealing in drugs.

In a separate operation on Monday at 4pm, officers recovered a prohibited firearm during routine patrols in the Navalsig area. Members’ attention was drawn to a white Nissan bakkie parked at a workshop in Lombard Street, which matched the description of a vehicle allegedly used for drug distribution. Kareli said the owner, a 35-year-old foreign national, attempted to flee when police requested permission to search the vehicle. A search of the vehicle’s cabin uncovered a brown firearm with its serial number filed off.