Concerted efforts by police in the Western Cape to safeguard communities during the festive season with the deployment of various police units and newly trained Constables under the theme “More boots on the ground towards enhanced police visibility”, led to the arrest of 425 suspects for various offences and the confiscation of drugs as well as liquor in the Garden Route District. The crime combatting operations commenced on Friday, 23 December 2022 until this morning.
The strategic deployment of police resources in conjunction with Western Cape Provincial Traffic, Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement, local security companies and community safety structures yielded excellent results. The operations included roadblocks, vehicle check points, closing down of shebeens, compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, security companies and liquor licenced premises, high density patrols, foot patrols at malls and beaches.
These forces on the ground arrest 70 suspects for drug related offences, 17 for driving vehicle whilst under influence of liquor, 25 for possession of dangerous weapons and 4 for the possession of stolen property. Police confiscated 629 Mandrax tablets, 193 gram of Tik, 826 grams of dagga, 183 dagga plants, 8 gram of Mandrax powder and 229 litres of liquor during the weekend operations.
On Friday, 23 December 2022 the Garden Route District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, led the forces on focused operations in Riversdale and Still Bay along the coast. Armed with search and seizure warrants, forces descended on four premises where they arrested four suspects for dealing in drugs. They confiscated 34 bankies of Tik, 30 Mandrax tablets and R9 400 cash, believed to be proceeds of the illegal drug trade.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Garden Route Crime Combatting Team (GCCCT) members also armed with a search warrant conducted an intelligence driven operation at a house in Lawaaikamp, George. Upon arrival they noticed a man running towards the bathroom of the house and flushing the toilet. The vigilant members responded and blocked the drain where they found Tik and Mandrax being flushed away. Police confiscated 110 grams of Tik, 417 Mandrax tablets, 57 halves and 30 quarters. One occupant of the premises was subsequently arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs.
All arrested will appear in their respective courts once charged.
These operations will be maintained for the rest of the long weekend and beyond. The deployment of extra resources is in line with the Western Cape provincial operational plan to curb serious and violent crimes during the festive period and to ensure that the public are and feel safe. Similar operations will be conducted with a specific focus around beaches and malls where large groups gather.
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