Multi-disciplinary operation led to discovery of firearms and drugs at two storage facilities in Gqeberha

An intelligence-driven, multi-disciplinary operation led to the confiscation and seizure of several firearms, drugs, and ammunition at two storage facilities in Gqeberha last night, 24 January 2022.

On the mentioned date at about 19:00, the team comprising of detectives from Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigations) and Provincial Crime Scene Management executed search warrants at two storage units in Gqeberha. A total of 7 firearms, 14 magazines, 1371 various calibre ammunition, 26 200 mandrax tablets, 160 packets of vials, and 39 boxes of teething powder were collectively seized from the two facilities.

The estimated street value of the drugs and vials is R 2,2 million. Ownership of the firearms is yet to be determined and all the firearms will be sent to ballistics for testing.

An inquiry docket has been opened for further investigation.

The Provincial OCI Gang Investigation team is following up on possible leads and at this stage, there are no arrests.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene applauded the team on the successful operation. “Tackling drugs, the proliferation of illegal firearms, and associated criminal activities are a top priority for the SAPS. Communities are controlled by those who sell drugs as well as by those who produce them. Therefore, as law enforcement, we must be a step ahead of these syndicates. Our experienced detectives will be intensifying investigations to establish and arrest the syndicate/s involved in Nelson Mandela Bay. Ridding our communities of drugs and illegal firearms is something that we all need to work on together therefore crime intelligence is vital if we are to catch the kingpins,” added Lt Gen Mene.