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An investigation into drug trafficking leads to the discovery of nine firearms, including rifles, ammunition and explosives in Winchester Hills, south of Johannesburg. (Photo: SAPS)
- Police have found firearms, ammunition and explosives in a flat in Johannesburg.
- They were driven to arms after arresting a suspected drug trafficker.
- Among the weapons recovered were two AK-47 rifles, one LM5 rifle and three shotguns.
An investigation into drug trafficking has led the Johannesburg police to a cache of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
Officers from the Johannesburg Central Criminal Intelligence Unit followed up on a tip about an alleged drug trade at a residential complex in Winchester Hills, police spokesman Brig. Mathapelo Peters said.
“The team saw the two vehicles of interest pull up side by side in the complex’s parking lot and executed a teardown, arresting a suspect after witnessing a transfer of unknown packages from one vehicle to another. The second suspect fled and evaded arrest, “Peters said.
A further investigation led police to an apartment, where they found two AK-47 rifles, one LM5 rifle, three shotguns, two Ruger rifles, and a revolver. Bulletproof vests, security dashboard lights, ammunition, tear gas, smoke canisters and a practice hand grenade were also seized.
“After processing the scene, [it was] confirmed that the packages that were moved between the suspects’ vehicles contained an undisclosed amount of cash that was suspected of being the proceeds of drug sales, as well as five bags whose contents will be determined pending forensic analysis, “Peters said. .
The 30-year-old suspect, from Sunnyside, Pretoria, will appear in court in due course.
“The recovery of firearms of such high caliber suggests that the suspects could be involved in much more than drug-related crimes. The investigation team must leave no stone unturned in the capture of the suspect and his accomplices, as we believe that more suspects may be involved, “Gauteng Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Elias Mawela said.
