According to Southern Cape Police spokesperson, Captain Bernadine Steyn information the police obtained search warrants for three shops in Cradock Street near the George taxi rank after incriminating information was gathered.
Shortly after 10:30 Cradock Street, between Hibernia and Market Street, was cordoned off while members of the George cluster, dog unit, public order police and tactical armed response unit conducted the searches at a hairsalon, restaurant and pawn shop. The George Herald received numerous calls from the public who feared that protest riots had broken out.
When asked if a lot of drugs are sold in this section of town, Steyn said, "Although we conduct regular operations and are well aware of the allegations that drugs are sold here, not many finds are made or arrests carried out. Drugs that we have confiscated in this area include tik, dagga and heroine."
Between 1 October and 31 December last year, members of the George cluster confiscated drugs and stolen goods worth R2,6-million. In November, 30 bags of dagga were found in a car on the N9 between Herold and George. Two men from Thembalethu were arrested. They will appear in court again on 14 April. In Thembalethu 1,1 ton of dagga with a street value of R1,15-million was confiscated in two separate incidents during October and December last year.
In spite of their meagre find during the raid Steyn warned drug peddlers to beware. "Drug peddlers use innovative ways to escape the long arm of the law, but they must be warned, we will remain one step ahead in order to rid our streets of illegal drugs. We are vigilant and diligent in dealing with illegal drug distribution in our cluster," concluded Steyn.
View more photos here.
Police questioned three men suspected of selling and distributing drugs following a raid at three shops in the CBD on Tuesday morning. A small amount of tik was found behind one of the shops in Cradock Street. No one was arrested. Sergeant Johnathan Edwards from the Outeniqua K-9 dog unit and his dog, Storm are seen exiting Coin Exchange after searching the premises for drugs. Photos: Lizette da Silva
ARTICLE: LIZETTE DA SILVA, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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