Two men were arrested on charges of possession of alleged illegal substances and bribery in Thembisa on Saturday, November 7.

According to EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa, officers acted on intelligence about a man allegedly dealing in and possessing dagga.

The information led officers to a residence on Mothibe Street, near Liliba Section, where they spotted a man matching the description provided.

After officers explained the purpose of their visit, the suspect consented to a search of his room.

“During the search, officers recovered 33 small packets of dagga, five bottles of Stilpane syrup and 33 bottles of Astrapain syrup,” said Thepa.

Thepa said the suspect failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the 38 bottles of medication.

“These syrups are Schedule 2 medicines, which means they can only be legally sold or supplied by authorised persons in terms of Section 22A(5) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act,” she said.

She added that the circumstances surrounding the possession of the recovered medication would be subject to further investigation.

While officers were processing the arrest, another man, who identified himself as the arrested suspect’s brother, allegedly approached them and offered R1 000 in exchange for his brother’s release.

Both men were arrested and detained at the Tembisa Police Station.

They are expected to appear in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court soon.