Cape Town – Western Cape police have confiscated drugs to the value of R300 000 during an operation in the Klein Karoo early this week.
According to police, the operation was part of their Safer Festive Season operations under the theme “more boots on the ground toward enhanced police visibility”.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies said that on Wednesday morning, rural flying squad members on the R62 spotted a silver Volkswagen Polo travelling at high speed.
He said members gave chase and brought the vehicle to a halt at the entrance to Calitzdorp.
“While approaching they got a scent of cannabis and proceeded with a search when they found two black bags on the back seat of the vehicle, containing 20 kilograms of dagga with an estimated street value of R160 000.
“The 39-year-old driver was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs and the find was confiscated as evidence,” Spies said in a statement.
#sapsWC Western Cape police confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R300 000-00 during midweek #SaferFestiveSeason operations. Several suspects arrested. MLhttps://t.co/c4IbVhhqxr pic.twitter.com/HK95wbbNUW
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) January 6, 2023
Later the same day at 7.30pm, Oudtshoorn Crime Prevention Unit members acting on intelligence stopped a minibus en route to Oudtshoorn from George along the N12.
“A search of the vehicle ensued which led to the discovery of two bags of dagga weighing 16 kilograms.
“The members confiscated the consignment with an estimated street value of R128 000 and arrested a 32-year-old man linked to the find on a charge of possession of drugs,” Spies said.
Various units in the Garden Route District also embarked on crime-combatting operations in the Heidelberg, Uniondale, and Mossel Bay precincts to rid these communities of crime.
These operations aimed against drug and liquor abuse were conducted from Tuesday and resulted in the confiscation of 239 dagga stops, an additional 40 grams of dagga, 74 grams of tik, 562 dagga plants, and 117 litres of liquor.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile praised the commitment of the police and welcomed the large quantities of drugs confiscated.
“These operations form part of concerted efforts by police to safeguard communities and visitors to the region during the festive period and beyond,” Patekile said.
He added that high visibility with the strategic deployment of resources would be maintained during this weekend’s operations to ensure there were more boots on the ground.
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Picture: Twitter/ @SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
