Officers from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) and By-law Management Unit (BMU) arrested a woman for allegedly dealing in drugs during an operation in Naturena on June 20.

According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, officers were conducting routine patrols when they approached a group of men suspected of gambling.

During a search, one of the men was allegedly found in possession of a small quantity of cannabis and half a tablet suspected to be Mandrax.

Fihla said the suspect agreed to assist officers anonymously by identifying the alleged source of the drugs and led them to a residence on Wild Pear Crescent in Naturena Ext 26.

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“Upon arrival, officers observed a female suspect apparently engaged in a drug transaction. On noticing law enforcement, she fled into the residence,” said Fihla.

Officers pursued the suspect and allegedly observed her repeatedly flushing a toilet after locking a security gate, leading them to suspect that she was attempting to destroy evidence.

According to Fihla, officers inspected the external drainage pipe and recovered several pills that had allegedly been flushed down the toilet.

“After being warned that the gate would be forced open if she failed to comply, the suspect eventually opened it,” he said.

Inside the residence, officers recovered additional pills from the toilet bowl that had allegedly not been successfully flushed.

The suspect then directed officers to a room where three large bags containing substances suspected to be compressed cannabis were allegedly found.

The woman was arrested for possession of and dealing in illegal substances and detained at Mondeor Police Station.