Drugs worth almost R400 000 confiscated

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Since he took over as Cluster Commander of the Graaff-Reinet Cluster in June 2017, one of Brigadier Rudolph Adolph’s missions has been to fight against the scourge of drugs in the area.

"Drugs generate and are contributing to most of the crimes in the Cluster. That's why we are focusing on addressing the dealers and distributors of drugs in our area,” said Brig Adolph.

Over the past weekend, thirteen suspects were arrested during a Joint Crime Intelligence-driven operation by members of the Detective Service, Crime Intelligence and Provincial Organised Crime Unit.

The well- planned undercover operation was conducted around the Graaff Reinet Cluster policing precinct, which led to the arrest of thirteen suspects ranging in ages from 15 to 45 years for dealing in drugs around the areas of Aberdeen, Jansenville, Graaff-Reinet and Klippplaat.

The arrests form part of the ongoing efforts by the Eastern Cape Province in dealing with the scourge of drugs in these areas through the optimal Operationalization of the Organised Crime Threat Analysis (OCTA) Strategy.

Tik, Mandrax and dagga to the value of R396 000 were confiscated during the weekend raids at the suspects’ residential premises.

A large amount of cash‚ suspected to be the proceeds of drug trafficking, was also confiscated.

Several cellphones, computer hard drives, two scales to weigh the drugs and various laptops were seized at the different crime scenes.

Two motor vehicles, an Opel Astra and an Audi Q7, suspected being used during the crimes, have been impounded by police.

Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General André Swart praised the police for their perseverance and hard work during this undercover operation. “I wish to commend the collaborative work done between the community and the police which led to this breakthrough,” he said.

“The community has played a commendable role in this intelligence-driven operation, and that must be recognized. Arresting runners is important, but we cannot overemphasize the greater need to apprehend and close down the actual producers and suppliers,” Swart added.

Brig Adolph concluded with the assurance that that ”Others that we did not get this time must be warned that we are coming for them and we will not rest until we clean our communities of this evil”.

All 13 suspects are expected to make their first appearance in the Graaff-Reinet Magistrates court today, Monday, 16 July.

Over the past weekend, thirteen suspects were arrested for drugs during a Joint Crime Intelligence-driven operation.