Police confiscated a deadly arsenal, including AK-47 rifles, shotguns, pistols, and grenades, during a raid in Bellville South.
Image: SAPS
A high-stakes intelligence-driven operation has led to the seizure of a massive arsenal of illegal firearms, explosives, and drugs in Bellville South and Stikland, exposing a dangerous criminal network operating in the Western Cape.
A multi-disciplinary law enforcement team, including Anti-Gang Unit investigators, Crime Intelligence (Counter Gangs and Narcotics), and Visible Policing Anti-Gang Unit members, conducted a well-coordinated raid on storage facilities on Monday evening.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the operation, which culminated in weeks of observing suspects' movements, resulted in the discovery.
During the raid in Bellville South, officers found three AK-47 rifles, an R5 rifle, and an additional assault rifle, all capable of inflicting deadly damage. Alongside these high-powered firearms, twelve 9mm pistols, three Uzis, four shotguns, and two revolvers were confiscated.
Police seized 50,000 Mandrax tablets.
Image: SAPS
The search also revealed a staggering quantity of narcotics, including 50,000 Mandrax tablets, a commonly trafficked street drug.
Authorities recovered six M26 grenades, posing a significant threat to public safety, as well as a large quantity of assorted ammunition, which suggested possible links to ongoing gang-related violence in the area.
Police seized two kilograms of heroin hidden in a storage facility in Stikland, dealing a significant blow to the illicit drug trade.
Image: SAPS
Later in the evening, the operation extended to a second location in Stikland, where officers discovered a package containing two kilograms of heroin. This further reinforced suspicions of an organised criminal syndicate dealing in arms and drugs across multiple locations.
Police confirmed that two suspects, a 41-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man, have been arrested.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to the illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and drugs.
"As the investigation continues, the possibility of further arrests cannot be ruled out," said Potelwa.
Police officials have emphasized the significance of this operation in curbing violent crime in the province.
"The efforts of the team have been commended as the Western Cape battles shooting incidents that result in murder and attempted murder cases," said Potelwa.
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