A multidisciplinary operation in Phillipi on Tuesday led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of narcotics, ammunition, and an imitation firearm following reports of gang violence in the area.
According to information received from a reliable source on the morning of 17 March, there were multiple exchanges of gunfire between two rival gang factions in the Phillipi area. The source also provided intelligence regarding the possession and distribution of an unlicensed firearm and drugs linked to a local gang.
Acting on the information later in the day, law enforcement officials conducted observations at a premises located on Punt Road in Phillipi Farms. After witnessing significant movement on the property, members operationalized the intelligence and proceeded to execute a thorough search of the premises.
During the search, officials discovered ten rounds of ammunition inside a cupboard in a bedroom. In a Wendy house located on the plot, authorities found a significant quantity of mandrax tablets, as well as supplies of unga and tik.
The search of the main premises also yielded a black imitation firearm—identified as an AK-SA Arms AK 18 9mm—loaded with five blank 9mm rounds. Additionally, officers seized nine sachets of tik, six straws containing heroin, one mandrax tablet, and nine units of heroin wrapped in small orange plastic wrappers.
Three individuals were taken into custody in connection with the findings. A 27-year-old male was arrested on charges of possession of drugs and possession of an imitation firearm. A 37-year-old female was charged with dealing in drugs, while a 26-year-old female was arrested for the illegal possession of ammunition.