Two men were arrested, and drugs valued at more than R200 000 were recovered during a crime prevention operation conducted by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Drug Enforcement Unit.

According to the EMPD, the arrests were made on Tuesday, January 6, at about noon while officers were carrying out routine patrols in Ekurhuleni. Police received information about suspected drug-dealing activity and responded swiftly to the tip-off.

On arrival, officers observed what appeared to be a drug transaction and approached one of the suspects. A search led to the recovery of 18 ziplock bags of khat, six small ziplock bags of crystal meth with an estimated street value of R1 200, and R40 in cash.

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Further investigations led officers to another location in the area, where a second suspect, believed to be the supplier, was found. A thorough search uncovered a large quantity of narcotics, including 100 full Mandrax tablets, 100 half Mandrax tablets, 36 ziplock bags of crystal meth, two large plastic packets of crystal meth, 185 ziplock bags of heroin (nyaope), two plastic bags of heroin, and 22 plastic bags of khat. Cash amounting to R1 048.20 was also recovered.

The suspects, aged 35 and 46, are a South African national and a foreign national, respectively. They face charges of possession of and dealing in illicit substances.

They were handed over to the police and are expected to appear in court soon. The EMPD said operations targeting drug-related crimes will continue across Ekurhuleni as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug activity in communities.