GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Just under 300 suspects were arrested by the Eden Cluster police in the Southern Cape over the weekend.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies said the weekend crime prevention operations launched to curb serious and violent crimes, yielded positive results with the arrest of 282 suspects for various offences.
"These operations commenced on Friday afternoon, 18 June, and concluded on Sunday morning.
"It included high density deployment in crime-stricken areas where the police embarked on visits to liquor outlets, closed down drug outlets, vehicle check points, blue light patrols and search and seizure operations," he said.
In Knysna on Saturday, at about 16:30 these forces conducted a vehicle checkpoint on the N2 highway near Brackenhill, just outside Knysna.
"The members stopped a white Tata Bolt and proceeded with a search when they found drugs in a backpack of one of the occupants. Police confiscated 10 Mandrax tablets and a small quantity of tik. They subsequently arrested a 38-year-old suspect on a charge of possession of drugs," he said.
Spies said in Conville, George, the operations started on a high note on Friday with the arrest of a suspect for drug possession. At about 18:00, they noticed a man in Ellen Vena Street, Lawaaikamp, who ran away when he saw them approaching.
"A chase ensued and his freedom was short-lived when the vigilant members caught up with him," said Spies.
"Upon searching the man the members found 50 bankies of tik and 23 Mandrax tablets in his possession. The police arrested the 36-year-old suspect on a charge of possession of drugs."
Four more suspects were arrested in Conville the same evening after small quantities of Mandrax and tik were found in their possession. They are all facing a charge of possession of drugs.
Other arrests over the weekend were for crimes reported during the period as well as outstanding warrants of arrests. All arrested are scheduled to appear in various local courts once charged.
Eden Cluster Commander, Major-General Oswald Reddy, had nothing but praise for these forces who went the extra mile to ensure the safety of the public.
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