Illegal substances with an estimated street value of more than R22 800 were seized during a series of drug enforcement operations conducted across the City of Ekurhuleni this week.

According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit carried out targeted operations between Monday, January 12, and Friday, January 16, as part of ongoing efforts to curb drug-related crime and improve community safety.

During the operations, eight men and two women, aged between 19 and 55, were arrested after being found in possession of various illicit substances.

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The EMPD said the confiscated drugs included khat, dagga, crystal meth and mandrax, with a combined estimated street value of R22 800.

All 10 suspects face charges of possession of and dealing in illicit substances. They were detained at various police stations across the metro and are expected to appear before their respective magistrates’ courts.

The EMPD reiterated its commitment to combating drug-related crime, describing illegal substances as a significant contributor to other criminal activity within communities.

Community members have been urged to work with law enforcement by reporting suspicious behaviour and criminal activity to help keep neighbourhoods safe.