The city’s efforts to combat drug-related crimes have been showing promising results in recent weeks. City enforcement services attribute their success to the valuable support they have received from the public. Through the cooperation of concerned citizens, law enforcement officers have been able to make impressive busts, including a significant seizure of dagga from a couch in Manenberg.
Successful Drug Busts in Recent Weeks
On June 9th, officers from the Housing Safety Unit acted on a tip-off from the public and discovered a stash of dagga hidden in a couch. The authorities found 20 bankies of dagga hidden in a couch, 10 more bankies in a plastic bag, two scales, and just over R500 in cash. A 28-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene.
Several other notable cases have resulted from public tip-offs. On June 2nd, Metro Police Officers arrested a 37-year-old man in Macassar after following up on a tip regarding drugs being sold from a backyard. The police confiscated 30 mandrax tablets and uncut tik. The following day, officers arrested a 53-year-old man in Lavender Hill and seized dagga with an estimated street value of R12,000. On June 6th, Metro Police confiscated 82 dagga plants and a jar of dagga in Woodlands, Mitchells Plain, leading to the arrest of a 24-year-old woman.
Public Cooperation is Key to Success
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, expressed his gratitude to the public for their involvement in helping to curb drug-related crime. Smith notes that most people know where drug outlets are situated in their communities, and applauds those who take the step to come forward with information.
The Toll of Drugs on Communities
Drugs and their impact on communities, along with their links to other crimes, are placing a heavy burden on enforcement services in the city. Smith notes that while the city has had success in making drug-related arrests, more effort is needed to address drug addiction and trafficking in South Africa.
Enforcement Services’ Recent Statistics
Over the past week, law enforcement officers have made 256 arrests, 138 of which were drug-related, and issued 3,528 notices for various transgressions. In the same timeframe, their Metro Police counterparts made 62 arrests and handed out 4,013 fines. Cape Town Traffic Services recorded 54,163 offenses, impounded 259 public transport vehicles, and executed 1,455 warrants of arrest for outstanding fines. Additionally, they arrested 28 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol and 10 for reckless and negligent driving.
Collaboration Between Enforcement Services and the Public
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1,836 incidents over the weekend. These included 111 assault cases, 35 incidents of domestic violence, and 62 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents. The collaboration between enforcement services and the public has been crucial in achieving these outcomes, demonstrating the power of a united front against crime in the city.
