Drug bust in Mulbarton
Mondeor SAPS, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Glenvista Community Forum, Mulbarton Community Forum, D&D Tactical and patrollers took part in the operation.
MULBARTON – On Saturday March 1, 15 suspects were arrested on Jordi Road, near Panorama Shopping Centre and Panorama Flea market, Mulbarton , in a joint operation on charges ranging from possession of counterfeit DVD’s, drinking in public, assault and possession of drugs.
Mondeor SAPS said, “This area is under constant surveillance and a warning goes out to anyone who is found buying or selling counterfeit goods or drugs, action will be taken.”
Earlier in the week, a meeting was held at Mugg and Bean Panorama Shopping Centre between Bruno Barradas (Panorama Shopping Centre co-owner), Mondeor SAPS, JMPD, Ward 23 councillor Paul Smit, Glenvista Community Forum, Mulbarton Community Forum and D&D Tactical. During the meeting all parties accepted something needed to be done urgently to combat the sale and buying of drugs. Three suspects who deal in drugs, were identified as being seen in the shopping centre car park and on Jordi Road. “These drug dealers need to be arrested. They are a threat to teenagers in the area and this centre won’t tolerate drug dealing or any illegal trading taking place. We have security on guard every day in and around the centre and will continue to maintain this presence,” said Barradas.
He added, “When I took over this centre one of the first things I did was get rid of Dinosaurs Pub and Grill. This place attracted the wrong kind of clientele, not suitable for a family centre. I’m committed to assisting in any way which will make this centre and surrounding areas, clean and crime free.”
Mike Fontes, from Glenvista Community Forum said, “We need to hold regular meetings between all the role players here today and we are asking for full cooperation from Mondeor SAPS to assist us in bringing the criminals to justice. Rand Water, who owns the land on Jordi Road opposite Panorama Shopping centre, need to be included in following meetings, in order for us to rid this criminal element. The cutting of the long grass also needs to be regularly done as well as fencing all along a Kliprivier Drive which backs onto the veld where the suspects live. We’d also like to see Mondeor SAPS bringing in a dog unit to search the veld on a regular basis.”
Captain A Lithudzha and Sgt L Andrew from Mondeor SAPS, Sector One, added, “One of the recognised suspects has been arrested twice already. Over the last three months we have also arrested drug buyers and dealers.”
The meeting ended with the March 1 bust organised for 10:00.
