Drugs and illegal liquor taken off Plett streets

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Drugs and illegal alcohol were taken off the streets over the weekend during Southern Cape police's clampdown on illicit substances that forms part of their Safer Festive Season operations.

These operations included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, closing down drug and liquor outlets and patrols in crime-ridden areas.

Southern Cape police spokes-person Sgt Chris Spies said on Saturday 18 December, members of the Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team and Rural Flying Squad stopped a passenger bus at a roadblock near the Tsitsikamma Tollgate outside Plettenberg Bay. A search of the bus ensued and police found 350 bundles of khat with an estimated street value of R27 000 in the trailer of the bus.

"The find was later linked to a passenger on board. Police arrested the 36-year-old suspect on a charge of possession of drugs," Spies said.

Illicit liquor was confiscated in Kranshoek.

On Sunday 19 December, Kwanokuthula police embarked on an operation at a house in Kranshoek on the outskirts of town where they confiscated a small quantity of liquor. They arrested a 30-year-old suspect.

"He later paid a R2 000 fine and was released." Earlier, on 16 December at about 16:00, Kwanokuthula police responded swiftly to information on illicit activities at a house in Angola Street, Kwanokuthula.

This response landed a suspected drug dealer behind bars after police found small quantities of tik, Mandrax tablets and dagga at his home. "They confiscated the drugs and arrested the 46-year-old suspect. He is facing a charge of dealing in drugs," said Spies.

Acting Eden Cluster Commander, Brigadier Phumzile Cetyana, commended the officers for their vigilance during the holiday period. He said this zero-tolerance approach will be maintained during the festive period to ensure that the public feel and are safe.

Khat worth about R27 000 was confiscated.