22 Suspects behind bars during clamp down operation on drug outlets at Conville in George

A clamp down operation on drug outlets ensured that 22 suspects found themselves behind bars following their arrest on drug related charges in Conville, George during “Operation Shanela” activities with the deployment of additional resources in the area.

These operations aimed to curb the prevalence of drugs commenced on Saturday, 06 April 2024 and last until last night, 08 April 2024. The operations focused on raids on identified premises as well as stop and search operations in crime stricken areas. A total of 21 suspects were arrested on charges of possession of drugs and one for dealing in drugs. Police confiscated mandrax, tik and dagga during the operations.

On Sunday, 07 April 2024 Conville police members operationalised information during which they pounced on a house at July Marekeni Street, Lawaaikamp near Conville. The members noticed that a portion of grass next to the house was disturbed. Members recovered a hole in the ground and inside the hole discovered a Knorrox box (beef cubes box) with 500 mandrax tablets concealed inside. The vigilant members confiscated the drugs and arrested a 38-year-old suspect on a charge of dealing in drugs.

Meanwhile on Monday, 08 April 2024, members attached to the Garden Route District Crime Combating Team conducted patrols along Fiskaal Street, Conville when they noticed a suspicious man changing direction when police approached. The members gave chase and caught up with the man. They proceeded with a search of the man whom they found in possession of 88 bankies of tik and nine mandrax tablets. The 28-year-old man was arrested on a charge of possession of drugs.

All those arrested will appear in the Thembalethu Magistrates’ court once charged.

These arrests and confiscations form part of concerted efforts to eradicate the proliferation of drugs in communities.