Suspect nabbed in possession and dealing in prohibited substance in Melville

One male suspect was arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) K9 Unit in possession and dealing with prohibited substances (dagga) in Melville.

The officers received a complaint of drugs being sold around the Melville area near 7th Street and 3rd Avenue.
On Sunday, 05 February 2023, officers set up an operational plan and went to the given location for observation, to identify and apprehend the alleged suspect.

After a few hours of observation and planning, the male suspect and his modus operandi were identified.
The suspect was seen interacting with his customers, where he would collect money from them and retrieve the items ordered hidden in a drain on the sidewalk.

He did this repeatedly and was observed to be the only one who had access to the drain and had control of whatever was placed.

A strategic takedown was undertaken, and the suspect was apprehended. The officers searched the drain and recovered a black packet that contained 55 dagga cigarettes and ziplock bags containing dagga.

The suspect, a Malawian national, was arrested and detained at Brixton SAPS. He is due to appear in court during the course of the week.