Major Drug Bust in Johannesburg: JMPD Uncovers R20 Million Haul of Codeine-Laced Medicine and Dagga in Hijacked Houghton Building
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officers have seized a massive stash of medicine containing codeine mixed with dagga, valued at over R20 million. The discovery came during an intelligence-driven operation in a hijacked building in Houghton on Saturday night, 22 November 2025. Led by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, alongside the Tactical Response Unit, CCTV teams, and City of Johannesburg councillors, the raid exposed goods being prepared for smuggling to Zimbabwe. This bust highlights ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking and building hijackings in the city, issues that drain resources and endanger communities.
The operation not only disrupts a potential cross-border smuggling ring but also underscores the dangers of codeine abuse, often linked to recreational drug mixtures like lean or purple drank. As investigations continue, authorities are securing the site and probing deeper into the network behind this haul, aiming to bring those responsible to justice.
The Raid: Intelligence-Led Operation Hits Paydirt
The bust unfolded late Friday evening when teams acted on tips about suspicious activities in the Houghton building. Officers found large quantities of prescription cough syrups—many containing codeine—packed in boxes alongside processed dagga. The items, hidden in the hijacked property, were being readied for transport across the border to Zimbabwe, a common route for illicit goods due to porous controls and demand in neighbouring markets.
Dr Tshwaku, known for his hands-on approach to public safety, spearheaded the effort with support from specialised units. The Tactical Response Unit handled the entry and securing of the site, while CCTV operators provided real-time surveillance to ensure no escapes. City councillors joined to highlight community involvement in reclaiming hijacked spaces, which often become hubs for crime like drug storage and distribution.
No arrests were mentioned in initial reports, but JMPD officers remain on-site to guard the building as forensic teams gather evidence. Further probes are underway to trace the supply chain, from local sourcing of the codeine products to the intended recipients in Zimbabwe. This operation fits into broader city initiatives to reclaim over 600 hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, many used for illegal activities that fuel urban decay.
The Haul: Codeine Medicine and Dagga Worth Millions
The seized goods include cough syrups laced with codeine, a controlled substance often misused for its opioid effects, combined with dagga for added potency. Codeine, found in many over-the-counter medicines, is tightly regulated in South Africa due to its addictive potential and role in substance abuse epidemics. When mixed with dagga, it creates potent street drugs that pose serious health risks, including respiratory issues and dependency.
The total street value exceeds R20 million, making this one of the larger busts in recent months. Prescription cough syrups alone can fetch high prices on the black market, especially when smuggled abroad where demand outstrips supply. Dagga, processed for easier transport, adds to the haul’s worth, with Zimbabwe’s markets often seeing influxes of South African-sourced cannabis due to stricter local laws.
This discovery ties into national concerns over codeine abuse, with health experts warning of rising addiction rates among youth. In Johannesburg, similar raids have uncovered fake medicines and illicit drugs hidden in abandoned structures, draining the economy through lost taxes and healthcare costs.
Broader Context: Tackling Hijacked Buildings and Cross-Border Smuggling
Hijacked buildings remain a thorn in Johannesburg’s side, with over 600 such properties identified city-wide. These structures, often taken over by criminal syndicates, serve as warehouses for drugs, counterfeit goods, and human trafficking operations. The Houghton site, in an upscale suburb, shows how the problem spans all areas, affecting property values and safety.
The operation aligns with the city’s #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje campaign, aimed at swift action against crime, and #JMPDInAction initiatives to reclaim public spaces. Dr Tshwaku has been vocal about intensifying efforts against building hijackings, which cost the city millions in lost revenue and services.
Cross-border smuggling to Zimbabwe adds another layer, with routes like Beitbridge often used for illicit trade. South African authorities have ramped up collaborations with neighbours to curb this, including joint operations that have seized similar hauls in the past. This bust could lead to tighter border checks and international probes, especially given Zimbabwe’s struggles with drug inflows.
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