Six men are expected to appear before the Athlone Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town after being caught with three unlicensed firearms and drugs worth over R1m‚ police said on Wednesday.
The group was arrested after members of the recently re-formed Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) responded to a tip-off about drugs at a residence in the Oasis squatter camp and conducted a search.
“This operation led to the discovery of two 9mm pistols‚ a .45 calibre pistol‚ 70 rounds of ammunition‚ dagga valued at R1m and heroin with a street value of R129‚950. Six cellular telephones and R11‚550‚ believed to be the proceeds of drug trafficking‚ were also confiscated‚” said police spokesperson‚ Lieutenant-Colonel Andre Traut.
The suspects are aged between 23 and 35 and are facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and dealing in drugs‚ said Traut.
They will make their first court appearance on Thursday.
Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khombinkosi Jula praised his officers for their contribution in dealing with the scourge of gang-related crime in the province ahead of the festive season.
He also urged community members to continue working with police to eradicate criminality.