The lucrative illicit drug trade in the Western Cape was dealt a heavy blow with the confiscation of more than R150 000-00 worth of illicit drugs, the seizure of a large sum of cash, and the arrest of 18 suspects on drug-related charges during crime combatting operations.
On Saturday, 27 August 2022 at about 16:15, Garden Route Rural Flying Squad and Ladismith members acted swiftly on information about a consignment of drugs and they strategically deployed themselves along the R62 between Barrydale and Ladismith. The vigilant members stopped a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and while searching the vehicle they spotted a passenger dropping a parcel. They approached the man and proceeded with a search of his luggage and police found drugs in his possession. The members confiscated 1006 mandrax tablets and 120 grams of tik with an estimated street value of R92 000-00. They arrested the man on a charge of dealing drugs.
Preliminary investigations into the find indicate that the drugs were destined for delivery in Calitzdorp.
The suspect, from Stellenbosch, remains in custody and is expected to appear in the Ladismith Magistrates’ court on Monday, 29 August 2022. He is facing a charge of dealing in drugs.
In addition, a clamp down on drug outlets during mid-week crime combatting operations in the Garden Route yielded positive success with the confiscation of drugs with an estimated street value of R60 000.
On Wednesday, 24 August 2022, members attached to the Garden Route Crime Intelligence and Attaqua K9 acted on the information of a blue Audi A4 which was traveling on the N12 between Oudtshoorn and George with possible illicit drugs on board. This vehicle was spotted and suddenly came to a halt. The members tactically approached the vehicle and proceeded with a search of the vehicle as well as the surroundings when 100 grams of tik was found. The team confiscated the drugs and arrested an 18-year-old suspect on a charge of possession of drugs.
In Dysselsdorp, Attaqua K9 and Dysselsdorp visible police members also embarked on an operation at a house at Kok Street, Dysselsdorp after police received a tipoff on a consignment of drugs. They proceeded with a thorough search of the premises when police found 442 mandrax tablets, 5 quarters of Mandrax, and 2 bankies of tik weighing 10,09grams. The trained police explosive dog deployed also reacted positively which led to the discovery of one round of ammunition which was concealed in the bathroom. A 29-year-old man was arrested on charges of possession of drugs and illegal possession of ammunition.
Those arrested already made their first court appearances.
In the meantime, the deployment of George Public Order Police, Garden Route Crime Combatting Team, as well as the Conville and Thembalethu Crime Prevention units in Thembalethu and Conville in George over the past weekend which commenced on Friday, 26 August 2022 until last night 27 August 2022, also yielded excellent results. These forces arrested 15 suspects on drug-related charges. They confiscated small quantities of mandrax, heroin, and just over R26 000-00 cash. The cash is believed to be proceeds of the illicit drug trade.
All arrested during the weekend operations remain in custody. They will appear in court once charged.
Western Cape police management thanked the members for their dedication and commitment to ridding communities of drugs. These arrests and confiscations is in line with the policing priorities of this province.
