Western Cape Operation Nets Illegal Firearms and Drugs, Arrests Seven

WESTERN CAPE – The Western Cape’s Operation Shanela is achieving significant results against criminal activities involving the illegal possession of firearms and drug distribution through strategic, intelligence-led operations.

According to South African Police Service, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, a search based on received intel was conducted at a property on Alacrity Road, Bayview, in the Strandfontein area. The Operation Shanela members discovered 1180 units of heroin, drug-processing equipment including six blenders, a large number of paracetamol tablets, two scales, and 2.5 liters of chloroform. Further inspection of the premises resulted in finding a rifle. Seven individuals, ranging from 25 to 42 years of age, were arrested and are being held on charges of drug possession and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

In a separate action, Shanela operatives in Delft, focusing on suppressing gang-related shootings, executed a search at a residence in Leiden after a tip-off about drug sales. This resulted in a 59-year-old man being arrested for possession of mandrax tablets. Additionally, a 21-year-old was apprehended in Roosendal, Delft, after being found with 16 small bags containing cocaine.

These individuals are set to face the Mitchell’s Plain and Bellville Magistrates’ Courts after being formally charged.

Moreover, a further intelligence-led maneuver by members of Operation Shanela in KTC Gugulethu culminated in the arrest of a 51-year-old man. During the operation, 20 packets of dagga, two dagga cigarettes, two parcels of dagga, and an undisclosed sum of money were found in his residence. The suspect is expected to appear in the Philippi Magistrate’s Court today.