The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, has applauded the Gauteng Traffic Police and the South African Police Service’s Organised Crime Narcotics Unit for acting swiftly to arrest four Nigerian nationals for drug peddling. The suspects were arrested earlier this week on Tuesday at Frank’s Place flat, Eloff street in Johannesburg.
 
The police followed up on information about a syndicate involved in drugs, upon arrival at the address, four suspects were caught packaging drugs in plastic bags comprising of 750 nyaope packs and 1.2kg nyaope chemical. The suspects were arrested immediately for being in possession and dealings in drugs. The confiscated drugs and equipments used to mix drugs are estimated at a street value of R85 000,00. The suspects are currently detained at Johannesburg Central Police Station and are expected to appear in court soon.
 
Meanwhile, in another incident, a 37-year-old man was arrested for reckless and negligent driving yesterday at around 19:00 pm by the Gauteng Traffic Police High Speed Unit on N1 towards Vanderbijlpark. The speedster was driving a blue TSI Volkswagen Polo at an average speed of 206 km/h in a prescribed maximum limit of 120 km/h.
 
The man was formally charged for reckless driving at Vanderbijlpark police station with an alternative charge of exceeding the speed limit. He appeared at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate Court and was granted R1500 bail.
 
 
“Gauteng has for a very long time been riddled by elements of drug peddling. The arrest of the syndicate involved in drug dealing by the police is commendable. This is just a tip of the iceberg as there are many syndicates of such nature. It is very important that communities must play their active role and work closely with the police. Drugs rob the country of our valued citizens, especially young people who are led astray because of engaging themselves in these substances,” said MEC Nkosi-Malobane.
 
“It is critical that we eradicate the scourge of drugs in our respective communities as most crime committed are as a result of people using drugs. The police will not hesitate to act harshly against anyone involved in drug peddling.
 
My department will continue to intensify the fight against drugs by raising awareness about the dangers of engaging in these harmful substances with a view to break the demand and supply value chain of drugs.  I urge community members to report all suspected drug dealers to authorities without fear or favour,” said MEC Nkosi-Malobane.
 
 

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety