EDEN DISTRICT – Endeavours to rid rural communities of drugs are bearing fruit with the confiscation of various types of illicit substances and the apprehension of five suspects on drug related charges in rural communities in the Garden Route District.

On Tuesday, 16 August 2022, members attached to the Garden Route District Flying Squad, Oudtshoorn K9 Unit and Ladismith police armed with search warrants operationalised intelligence on drug outlets when they pounced on four houses at Zoar and Sakkiesbaai in Ladismith. The team confiscated 86 Mandrax tablets, 79 bankies of Tik and 6,19 gram Tik during the search and seizure operation. A total of four suspects aged between 15 and 20 were arrested on charges of possession of drugs.

Those arrested will appear in the Ladismith Magistrates’ court once charged.

In the meantime, the vigilance of police deployed in the Rural Sector of Still Bay led to the confiscation of drugs on Wednesday, 17 August 2022 at about 15:15.

The member conducted crime combating patrols along the R305 near Still Bay when he noticed a known highflyer. While approaching the man he acted suspicious which prompted a search. Upon searching the man police found a 100 Mandrax tablets in his possession. He was subsequently arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs.

The 35-year-old suspect remains in police custody. He is expected to appear in the Still Bay Magistrates’ court on Friday, 19 August 2022 on mentioned charge.

District Commissioner for the Garden Route, Major General Norman Modishana, applauded the members for their vigilance to remove illicit drugs from the streets. Substance abuse remains a major contributor to serious and violent crime, especially crimes against the most vulnerable in society and similar operations will be maintained to safeguard communities.

Source: South African Police Service