Ndudi Anyim
Operatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have arrested five drug dealers in separate operations across the country, with large quantities of assorted drugs recovered.
Security Watch Africa reports that the Police in South Africa has as part of measures to rid the country of drug and it’s abuse, embarked on massive and consistent raid of hideouts where such substances are peddled.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu, in a statement breaking down the arrests, said: “ SAPS Kwazakele Vispol Task Team members executed a search warrant at a house in Asijiki Street, Jijana Grounds in Veeplaas. A 35-year-old suspect was found in the house. The house was searched and mandrax, cash, dagga rolls as well as loose dagga, cocaine and tik were found.
“ Apart from the seizure of the drugs, Police also confiscated a Canon EOS 600 D camera. The estimated value of the drugs is about R20 000-00. The suspect was detained on a charge of dealing in drugs and possession of suspected stolen property. He was arraigned at the New Brighton magistrate court on Monday March 15, 2021.
“ Also, a joint operation was conducted by SAPS Walmer Crime Prevention, K9 Unit and the Lorraine Neighbourhood Watch at a suspected drug dealer’s house in Lorraine. Police reacted to information received and a 65-year-old man was arrested and detained. K9 Rita located the drugs in a cupboard. Tik, mandrax, loose dagga and a substantial amount of cash as well as two generators, a bicycle, a weed eater and tools were confiscated.
“ The suspect appeared at the Port Elizabeth magistrate on Monday, March 15, on charges of dealing in drugs and possession of suspected stolen property. In another operation, Anti-Gang Unit members found and removed 577 Schedule five prescription tablets (Purata, stilpain and brazepam), from a property in Baakenskop Circle in Booysens Park. No arrest were made and an enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.
Similarly, SAPS operatives in Western Cape have also made modest achievements in combatting drugs related offences.
According to Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, members attached to the Provincial Integrated Team and the Boland K9 unit participated in a joint intelligent driven operation in Mbekweni.
“ The members confiscated 707 mandrax tablets, 249g of Tik (Crystal meth) and an undisclosed amount of cash. A 32-year-old man was subsequently arrested. Members attached to Bredasdorp SAPS, also observed a man walking on the field who acted in a suspicious manner. When the Police approached him, he threw a bag away and started running.
“ Police gave him a chase and he was caught. Inside the bag police found 80g of crystal Meth and 2051 mandrax tablets. The 28-year-old suspect was arrested. In Napier, Police arrested a 41-year-old man after a search was conducted at his residence and mandrax tablets, crystal meth and dagga were found on the premises,” Rwexana said.