Pretoria: Police conducted targeted compliance inspections and high-density operations across Orkney's taxi rank, Central Business District, and surrounding illicit drug hotspots on Friday, 15 May 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal activity and enforce the law. The operation focused on areas identified as hotspots for illicit drug activity, illegal firearms, and illegal trading.

According to South African Police Service, the visibility operation aimed at reducing opportunities for crime, enhancing public safety, and ensuring businesses operate within the law. This intervention in Orkney resulted in the arrest of one female and seven males for Contravention of the Immigration Act, 13 of 2002. Additionally, another suspect was arrested for possession of suspected narcotics (Crystal Methamphetamine).

In follow-up investigations, the team executed a tactical operation into reports of drug dealing in Jouberton and arrested two male suspects for possession of drugs. The seized narcotics in Jouberton included large quantities of tablets suspected to be Mandrax and cellophane bags suspected to be Crystal Methamphetamine.

The operation visited Liquor Licensed premises to ensure compliance with their operating conditions. The operational team comprised the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, K9 Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Jouberton Crime Prevention Unit, FLASH, and Provincial Corporate Communications and Liaison.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, reiterated that the Police remain committed to maintaining high-visibility policing in identified hotspots and holding non-compliant businesses accountable. Similar operations will continue across the province to test police effectiveness, deter criminal activity, and restore public confidence.