Police clamp down on Bitou drug trade

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Three suspects were arrested and more than 100 Mandrax tablets were confiscated when police swooped on two homes in Kwonokuthula and Kranshoek in Plettenberg Bay last week.

The operation was part of the police's Vhuthu Hawe operations in the Southern Cape to close down drug and liquor outlets and confiscate illicit goods.

Running from Thursday evening to Sunday morning, 14 to 15 May, the operation included search and seizure operations, vehicle patrols, roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said on 13 May several police teams conducted raids on two homes in Kranshoek and Kwanokuthula respectively.

They were acting on crime intelligence and had search warrants ready.

"These forces confiscated 102 Mandrax tablets, six quarters and four halves as well as 11 tik straws. The police arrested a 49-year-old man on a charge of dealing in drugs. The other two, a 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, were arrested on a charge of possession of drugs each," Spies said.

Further afield combined efforts by the Rural Flying Squad and Oudtshoorn and Da Gamaskop crime prevention unit members resulted in the arrest of three suspects, aged between 32 and 50, on charges of selling liquor without a licence.

"The operations were conducted at various premises at Bongulethu, Smartie Town and Thabo Mbeki Square at Oudtshoorn from Friday 13 May," Spies said.

More than 100 Mandrax tablets were confiscated in Kwanokuthula.

"These forces confiscated more than 350 litres of liquor and R5 000. The cash is believed to be proceeds of the illegal liquor trade."

In the George area, Thembalethu police pounced on a known liquor outlet in Silver Town, Thembalethu. They confiscated a variety of liquor and arrested a 35-year-old woman on a charge of selling liquor without a licence.

"These arrests, as well as confiscations, form part of concerted efforts by police to eradicate substance abuse which contributes to serious and violent crimes, mostly reported over weekends. Similar operations will be conducted to rid communities of drugs and eradicate substance abuse," Spies said.

All arrested will appear in court once charged.

Various drugs, including tik, were confiscated in Kwanokuthula.