GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Safer Festive Season (SFS) operations with the strategic deployment of men and women in blue under the theme More boots on the ground towards enhanced police visibility, yielded excellent results with the arrest of 683 suspects and the confiscation of drugs with an estimated street value of R250 000 during crime combatting operations in the Garden Route District between Tuesday 27 December 2022 until this morning yesterday, Monday 2 January.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, various police units including members of to the Garden Route crime combatting team, the rural flying squad, Public order Police, Crime Intelligence, K9 and the station’s crime prevention units, were deployed in a number of crime fighting efforts as part of the Western Cape police’s operational plan.
This included roadblocks, vehicle check points, closing down of shebeens, compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, security companies and liquor licenced premises, high density patrols and foot patrols at malls and beaches. All operations were conducted in conjunction with Western Cape provincial traffic, municipal traffic and law enforcement of local authorities, security companies as well as community safety structures.
Focused operations led to the arrest of 141 suspects for drug related offences, 131 for possession of drugs and 10 for dealing in drugs. The forces confiscated 2 570 Mandrax tablets, 204 grams of tik, 100 grams cocaine and 1,2kg of dagga.
More than 2 000 dagga trees were also confiscated. Police also confiscated more than 30 litres of liquor during the closing down of illegal outlets.
High density patrols in Oudtshoorn.
Road safety operations to ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians on highways, byways and secondary roads led to the arrest of seven suspects for driving motor vehicle whilst under the influence of liquor. Two stolen vehicle were also recovered.
The other arrests were for crimes reported during the period as well as minor offences. It includes the arrest of three suspects after stolen sheep were found in their possession.
All arrested are expected to appear in their respective courts once charged.
Suspect arrested for dealing in drugs.
Some of the confiscated items.
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