ATHLONE – A major drug bust near the popular Wembley Roadhouse in Athlone has resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of a significant quantity of mandrax tablets and cash. The operation, conducted by the Maitland Flying Squad, followed a tip-off regarding potential drug dealing activities in the area.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk provided details of the operation, stating, "Upon their [the Flying Squad’s] arrival at the mentioned address, they found three vehicles including a white Mercedes Benz, a white Renault and a white Hyundai in the parking area."
He continued, "The members observed the occupants and noticed that one suspect took a black bag out of one vehicle [and then] putting it into his vehicle."
Acting swiftly, "They immediately approached the vehicles and two of the suspects attempted to walk away but were apprehended," Van Wyk explained.
A thorough search of the vehicles led to the discovery of illicit substances and cash. "The members searched all the vehicles and found in the one vehicle 3,000 mandrax tablets and in the other an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of crime," Van Wyk confirmed.
The operation did not conclude there. Acting on further leads, the Flying Squad proceeded to a location in Crawford, where they uncovered an additional 13,000 mandrax tablets and an undisclosed quantity of schedule one medicine.
The successful bust resulted in the arrest of a 58-year-old woman and four men aged between 48 and 60. All five suspects are now facing charges of dealing in drugs.
Van Wyk added, "The drugs and three vehicles were handed in as exhibits at Athlone SAPS. Their cellular telephones were taken in for processing and further investigation."
The Athlone Community Policing Forum (CPF) has lauded the operation as a significant victory for the community. Chairperson Vernon Piedt told the Daily Voice, "Clearly it could be that these are people who do not live in the area, because if they did they would’ve gone to the particular houses where the dealings happen."
Piedt emphasised the importance of the bust, stating, "It is a major breakthrough as a community as these are the things that we have been fighting against all our life. The CPF are happy that these people were arrested and the important thing is that these drugs are off the street."
He acknowledged that drug sales occur at specific locations in the area, but described this particular bust as leaving the community "speechless" due to its scale.
Ward Councillor Aslam Cassiem also commented on the operation, highlighting the City's commitment to improving safety and security in the area. Cassiem told the Daily Voice that the City is "invested in getting CCTV cameras on very important roads around that area and also provide the necessary resources to the neighbourhood watch."
Cassiem added, "That is how we generally speak to the safety and security aspect of the area. We commend all the law enforcement agencies for what they have done."
The successful operation by the Maitland Flying Squad has dealt a significant blow to drug dealing activities in the Athlone area. The arrest of five suspects and the seizure of a large quantity of drugs and cash demonstrate the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crime and improve the safety and security of communities.
Follow Us on Twitter
