Johannesburg police bust R22 million smuggling operation

Eight suspects have been arrested after the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) raided a hijacked building in Houghton.

JMPD reported that the building was used as a drug packaging and distribution hub, with the raid uncovering drugs worth millions of rands.

During the raid over the weekend, officers found a significant quantity of prescription cough syrup containing codeine, making it a Schedule 5 drug that is not available over the counter.

The cough syrup included brands such as Benylin, valued at about R90 a bottle. The entire shipment of cough syrup was estimated to be worth R20 million.

Codeine is a mild painkiller, the same type as Morphine, which is an Opioid drug. It is prescribed for acute pain, often found in Schedule 2 painkillers, such as GenPayne, Myprodol, and Stopayne.

The Opioid in cough syrup form is often mixed with softdrinks, such as Sprite, to create a drink known as lean, causing the brain to release feel-good chemicals and bring on a drowsy, pleasurable high.

According to a local study, a third of participants reported abusing Codeine tablets.

Authorities also found processed marijuana with an estimated street value of over R2 million.

According to Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, the narcotics were packaged and destined to be smuggled to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

It is suspected that this would have been attempted using cross-border buses and light delivery vehicles operated by informal couriers known as Malayisha.

The eight suspects were apprehended on charges relating to possession and dealing in illicit drugs, as well as the illegal occupation of hijacked property.

Following further investigation, it was discovered that the suspects were depositing rent into a bank account registered under an unknown name.

The raid was an intelligence-driven joint operation between the JMPD, Tactical Response Unit, CCTV Crime Analysis and Tracing Team, and supporting units.

“This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates exploiting hijacked properties for drug trafficking,” Tshwaku said.

“Lawlessness in any form will not be tolerated in the City of Johannesburg. Additional raids are planned as investigations continue.”

The JMPD has urged the public with information regarding hijacked properties or drug-related activities to contact it on 011 758 9650.

Images of the raid