Large quantity of cough syrup confiscated during Operation Shanela

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A large quantity of cough syrup were confiscated as part of Operation Shanela II on Wednesday night, on the N1 road next to the R59 off ramp towards Kroonstad.

According to reports, during the operation, members of the Sasolburg Highway Patrol Relief “D” spotted a suspicious vehicle on the N1 and managed to stop and search it.

“Upon searching the vehicle, members discovered 248 bottles (100ml) of Broncleer cough syrup medicine in the vehicle,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani.

Sgt Rani stated that three African male occupants, aged 25, 26, and 28 years, were arrested.

She continued; “Two suspects were further charged for being illegal immigrants. None of the suspects are registered health practitioners or affiliated with the health department. No permit or license to possess and transport the large quantity of medicine was produced.”

The trio is expected to appear before the Parys magistrate court soon on charges under Section 22A of the Medicines and Related Substances Act and possession of suspected stolen property.

Meanwhile, seventeen suspects, aged between 21 and 45 years were apprehended by the Fezile Dabi District Highway Patrol Shift D, in collaboration with various units and security services, for trespassing at Vencopark, Sasolburg.

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According to Sgt Rani, members received information on Wednesday, at approximately 00:30 – upon arrival, they tactically searched the area.

Stolen cable confiscated

“Preliminary investigations revealed that twelve suspects are foreign nationals. The suspects face charges of trespassing, possession of housebreaking implements, tampering with infrastructure, illegal immigrants, and possession of suspected stolen property.

“The police confiscated an estimated R40 000 worth of allegedly stolen cable and seized tools used in the commission of the crime,” she explained.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Sasolburg magistrate court soon.