MEDIA STATEMENT For Immediate Release Date: 22 November 2025 JMPD DISMANTLES SUSPECTED DRUG PACKAGING HUB IN HIJACKED HOUGHTON PROPERTY Johannesburg – An intelligence-led joint operation by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit (TRU), CCTV Crime Analysis and Tracing Team (CATT), and supporting units has resulted in the... successful raid of a hijacked residential property in Houghton used as a drug packaging and distribution centre. During the operation, officers recovered: • A large quantity of prescription cough syrup containing codeine (a Schedule 5 controlled substance not available over the counter) • Processed dagga with an estimated street value of approximately R2 million The seized narcotics were packaged and ready for transportation to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, via cross-border buses and light delivery vehicles operated by informal couriers commonly known as “Malayisha”. Eight suspects were arrested on charges related to the possession and dealing in illicit drugs, as well as occupation of a hijacked property. Investigations revealed that tenants were paying rent into a bank account registered under an unknown name. MMC Public safety , Dr Mgcini Tshwaku commended the officers involved: “This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to rooting out criminal syndicates exploiting hijacked properties to facilitate drug trafficking. Lawlessness in any form will not be tolerated in the City of Johannesburg. Further raids are imminent as additional leads are actively being pursued.” The JMPD urges members of the public with information on hijacked properties or drug-related activities to contact JMPD - 011 758 9650 Media Enquiries Alex Mandlazi 083 212-2717show more

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