A routine patrol by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) in Naturena led to the arrest of a woman suspected of dealing in illegal drugs and the recovery of a large quantity of suspected narcotics.

According to JMPD, Tactical Response Unit (TRU) and By-law Management Unit (BMU) officers were conducting patrols in the area when they approached a group of men suspected of gambling.

During a search, officers found one man in possession of a small quantity of cannabis and half a tablet believed to be Mandrax. When questioned, the suspect agreed to assist officers anonymously by identifying where the drugs had been obtained.

The suspect led officers to a house on Wild Pear Crescent in Ext 26, Naturena. Upon arrival, officers allegedly observed a woman involved in what appeared to be a drug transaction.

When the woman noticed the officers, she reportedly ran into the house. Officers followed her and saw her repeatedly flushing a toilet after locking a security gate. Police suspected she was attempting to destroy evidence.

Officers then inspected an external drainage pipe and recovered several pills that had been flushed down the toilet. After warning the suspect that the gate would be forced open if she did not cooperate, she eventually opened it.

Inside the house, officers recovered more pills from the toilet bowl that had not been successfully flushed away.

The suspect later directed officers to a room where they discovered three large bags containing substances suspected to be compressed cannabis.

The woman was arrested for possession of and dealing in illegal substances. She was detained at Mondeor Police Station, where further investigations are expected to continue.

JMPD said it remains committed to combating crime and maintaining law and order in the City of Johannesburg.

“Lawlessness will not be tolerated in the City of Johannesburg,” the department stated.