WESTERN CAPE – Efforts by Western Cape police to eradicate drug abuse yielded excellent results with the confiscation of drugs with an estimated street value of R300 000-00 during midweek Safer Festive Season operations under the theme “More boots on the ground towards enhanced police visibility” in the Klein Karoo.
On Wednesday, 03 January 2022 at about 07:30 members attached to the rural flying squad were strategically deployed along the R62 when they spotted a silver Volkswagen Polo traveling in a high speed. The vigilant members immediately gave chase and brought it to a halt at the entrance to Calitzdorp. While approaching they got a scent of cannabis and proceeded with a search when they found two black bags on the back seat of the vehicle, containing 20 kilogram of dagga with an estimated street value of R160 000-00. The 39-year-old driver was subsequently arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs and the find was confiscated as evidence.
Meanwhile, later the same day at about 19:30, Oudtshoorn Crime Prevention Unit members acted on intelligence when they stopped a minibus enroute to Oudtshoorn from George along the N12. A search of the vehicle ensued which led to the discovery of two bags of dagga weighing 16 kilogram on board the vehicle. The members confiscated the consignment with an estimated street value of R128 000-00 and arrested a 32-year-old man linked to the find on a charge of possession of drugs.
Furthermore, various units in the Garden Route District embarked on crime combatting operations in Heidelberg, Uniondale and Mossel Bay precincts to rid these communities of criminalities. These focused operations aimed against drug and liquor abuse were conducted from Tuesday, 03 January 2023 and resulted in the confiscation of 239 dagga stops, an additional 40 grams of dagga, 74 grams tik, 562 dagga plants and 117 litres of liquor.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, had nothing but praise for the commitment of those deployed during SFS operations and welcomed the large quantities of drugs confiscated. “These operations forms part of concerted efforts by police to safeguard communities and visitors to the region during the festive period and beyond. High visibility with the strategic deployment of resources would be maintained during this weekend’s operations to ensure that there is more boots on the ground”. Lt Gen Patekile concluded.
Source: South African Police Service