Authorities in Lotus River have apprehended a 39-year-old man in connection with a significant drug discovery after nearly 800 mandrax tablets were found in his possession during a police operation conducted on Thursday, 21 August.
The arrest stems from a targeted intervention by sector commanders attached to the Grassy Park police station. According to Sergeant Alridge Isaacs, the officers had received credible information about suspected drug-related activity at a residence situated in Eland Avenue.
“Upon arrival at the premises, the homeowner was seen holding a blue plastic bag. When he noticed the police, he attempted to flee but was ordered to stop. He then dropped the bag next to him,”
Sergeant Isaacs explained.
The contents of the plastic bag, examined in the suspect’s presence, were revealed to be mandrax tablets. Police confirmed a total of 798 tablets were confiscated on site.
The suspect was immediately arrested on suspicion of drug dealing and detained at the scene. He will face formal charges and is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
While the suspect’s identity has not yet been made public, the arrest underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities like Lotus River, where illegal drug trade has long been a concern among residents and law enforcement alike.
Grassy Park police have indicated that continued cooperation between the public and law enforcement is essential to curbing the spread of narcotics in residential areas. Sergeant Isaacs noted that the swift response was made possible due to community-led intelligence.
“The sector commanders had received information about alleged drug dealing at a house in Eland Avenue,”
he said, highlighting the importance of vigilance and public engagement in the fight against drugs.
The suspect remains in custody as the investigation proceeds. No further details about other potential suspects or the origin of the mandrax tablets have been released at this stage.
