FREE STATE – Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Response Team have arrested a 37-year-old foreign national in connection with a significant drug bust during Operation Shanela II in the Bloemfontein Central Business District. Acting on a credible tip-off, combat operators swiftly intercepted suspected drug dealing activities at a residential unit, recovering a substantial quantity of illicit substances and suspected proceeds of crime.
According to the SAPS Tactical Response Team, operators received intelligence regarding alleged drug sales at Boulevard Flats on Gordon Street in Bloemfontein. The unit swiftly operationalised the information and executed a tactical approach to the identified premises.
A subsequent search of the unit yielded a significant haul of narcotics. Authorities discovered and seized the following items:
– A large transparent plastic bag containing 955 grams of suspected crystal meth, which was later weighed in the presence of the suspect.
– An additional large plastic bag containing 540 grams of suspected crystal meth.
– Five medium plastic bags holding 450 grams of crystal meth.
– Twenty-one small zip-lock plastic containers containing 105 grams of Tik.
– Ten pieces of rock weighing a combined 15 grams.
– Two full Mandrax tablets concealed inside a closet.
In addition to the narcotics, authorities confiscated cash presumed to be the direct proceeds of illegal drug sales. The total estimated street value of the seized drugs is R684,326.50.
Following the operation, a case docket for possession and dealing in drugs was officially opened at the Parkweg Police Station. The 37-year-old suspect remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon to face formal charges.
