Police in Mpumalanga have clamped down on an alleged drug den which was being fronted as a supermarket in Standerton.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brig Selvy Mohlala, a co-ordinated crime intelligence-driven operation was put in place by the Standerton K9 and Secunda K9 units on Wednesday and led to the discovery of the drugs.
"What was portrayed as a supermarket in Standerton's Ext 6 was discovered to be used by suspects as a drug hub."
An 18-year-old Ethiopian national was arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of about 820 suspected Mandrax tablets weighing about 1,164g.
The drugs are estimated to have a street value of about R125,000, Mohlala said.
The tablets were concealed inside a box of Cremora powdered milk.
The suspect is in custody pending a bail application on October 18.
Mohala said the investigation is also ascertaining his status in the South Africa and police are working in conjunction with the department of home affairs.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
Mpumalanga police find drugs hidden in ‘Cremora boxes’, suspect arrested
Image: Supplied
Police in Mpumalanga have clamped down on an alleged drug den which was being fronted as a supermarket in Standerton.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brig Selvy Mohlala, a co-ordinated crime intelligence-driven operation was put in place by the Standerton K9 and Secunda K9 units on Wednesday and led to the discovery of the drugs.
"What was portrayed as a supermarket in Standerton's Ext 6 was discovered to be used by suspects as a drug hub."
An 18-year-old Ethiopian national was arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of about 820 suspected Mandrax tablets weighing about 1,164g.
The drugs are estimated to have a street value of about R125,000, Mohlala said.
The tablets were concealed inside a box of Cremora powdered milk.
The suspect is in custody pending a bail application on October 18.
Mohala said the investigation is also ascertaining his status in the South Africa and police are working in conjunction with the department of home affairs.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
READ MORE:
Cops in North West make double busts as they work to stem the drug trade
Drug dealers use courier service to ferry tik, Mandrax
Alleged Gauteng drug manufacturing laboratory dismantled, three suspects arrested
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
News and promos in your inbox
subscribeRelated articles
Most read
Latest Videos