Pretoria - Thirty-four suspects have been arrested for drug-related crimes and nine cases have been registered during operations by police in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Tuesday said the operations were conducted by its different units from last December until mid-February this year.
“The operation was initiated to manage the scourge of general and drug-related crimes and their negative impact on the community of Eldorado Park.
“From the inception of this operation until the middle of February 2016, positive results have been achieved and the commitment and dedication of the team has dealt a significant blow to the escalating drug-related and general crimes in the area,” said the SAPS.
The SAPS said it has been carrying out operations aimed at arresting drug traffickers and drug kingpins. Raids have been conducted at identified drug outlets, which is in line with government’s Drug Master Plan to reduce the demand for and supply of drugs, and to minimise contact crimes related to drug abuse.
“In this period, various operations including 177 observation operations, 239 foot patrols, 164 stop-and-searches and 106 vehicle searches have been conducted in the area.
“Thirty-seven identified drug outlets and 385 persons were searched. Nine cases were registered and 34 suspects were arrested for drug-related crimes. Three of the suspects are drug kingpins and three others repeat offenders of drug-related crimes,” said the SAPS.
It said one stolen motor vehicle, 10 cell phones, cash to the value of R71 221.90 as well as a variety of drugs have been seized. These include one packet of cocaine, 265 packets of meth cathinone (Cat), 76.5 tablets of Mandrax, 24 rock crystals, 246 packets of crystal meth (Tik) and eight plants, 1 309 slopes, 479 zolls, 575 bankies and three loose packets of dagga.
The police are calling on communities to continue exposing those in their midst who engage in drug-related crimes.
“We all need to act to fight this scourge that is destroying the very future of our society. Report any suspicious activities or suspicious persons to your nearest police station or anonymously to Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” said the SAPS. - SAnews.gov.za
