Three arrested in major Centurion drug bust after community tip-off
Wierdabrug SAPS arrests three suspects in major drug bust following community tip-offs, while three others were apprehended in separate kidnapping case.
Tshwane district police spokesperson, Captain Johan van Dyk, said police received information from the community about a suspected illegal drug sale.
“The arrests followed after information was received from the community regarding a suspected address where illegal drug sales were allegedly taking place. In response, an intelligence-driven observation operation was initiated to verify the information.”
Van Dyk added that police received tip-offs about drug drop-offs linked to a white Nissan NP300 at a specific property.
“At approximately 23:15, additional intelligence was received indicating that a white Nissan NP300 had made a drop-off at the identified property. An operational team, comprising members from Wierdabrug SAPS, the Tshwane District Drug Task Team, Wierdabrug CPF, and Wildlife K9, was activated, and a takedown operation was planned.
“Upon securing the premises, a thorough search was conducted, leading to the discovery of various drugs stashed inside the house. As a result, two male suspects and one female suspect were arrested and charged with drug dealing, as well as offences under the Immigration Act,” he said.
Van Dyk further stated that police found and confiscated 38 Mandrax tablets (0.062 kg), 17 Zip-lock bags of CAT, one large rock of CAT (0.052 kg), and four Zip-lock bags of crystal meth (0.004 kg).
Meanwhile, in a separate case, three other suspects were arrested for kidnapping and house robbery in Tshwane.
According to Van Dyk, the victim was alone at his residence when he heard a knock at the door. Upon opening it, he found a man and a woman requesting entry to discuss an urgent matter.
He added that due to loadshedding, the victim went to fetch a flashlight. Upon his return, the male suspect drew a firearm, pointed it at him, and demanded money and bank cards.
The victim was gagged, assaulted, and forced into a vehicle, while televisions and other personal belongings were stolen from his home and loaded into the same vehicle.
“Police officers stationed at Wierdabrug SAPS were conducting crime prevention patrols in Amberfield, Wierdapark when they noticed a vehicle without number plates driving in the area. The officers tactically stopped the vehicle and found two males and a female inside.
“Upon questioning, the driver failed to provide a reasonable explanation for the absence of number plates. The officers proceeded to search the vehicle and discovered the injured victim in the boot,” Van Dyk said.
Emergency medical assistance was requested immediately, and all three suspects were arrested for kidnapping and house robbery.
Van Dyk added that during the investigation, a search was conducted at one of the suspects' residences in Amberfield, where additional stolen property belonging to the victim was recovered. 'As a result, an additional charge of possession of suspected stolen property was added.'
Major-General Samuel Thine, District Commissioner of Tshwane, extended his gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the successful arrest of the suspects.
Pretoria News
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