Officers from several units hit the infamous housing development in Mineralia from 03:00 until 07:00 on Saturday.

Capt. Khanyisile Zwane, police spokesperson, said that several houses were searched after police received information of suspicious activities.

Many of these flats were found to be empty. It is suspected that many of the foreign nationals occupying them have moved out of Hope City after breaking up with their South African girlfriends who in turn cancelled their lease contracts.

People threw drugs they had in their flats out of their windows when they became aware of the operation.

Three Middelburg college students, originally from Nelspruit, were arrested in possession of cannabis. One of the boys confessed that the drugs belong to him and said that he sold it to fellow students and high school pupils.

His name cannot be made public as he is yet to appear in court.

Drugs were confiscated at one of the Hope City entrances. Heroin, Cat, cannabis and crystal methamphetamine were the most common drug types discovered.

From Hope City police moved to Nasaret where one man was arrested for public drinking.

“Overall residents were very cooperative. They opened their flats and rooms and allowed us to do spot searches. We thank them for their positive attitude,” capt. Zwane said.