GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Safe Festive Season (SFS) operations carried out by police throughout the Garden Route gave yielded positive results in the aim to curb crime over late December and early January.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, a total of 683 suspects were arrested between Tuesday 27 December 2022 and Monday 3 January.
The efforts also saw the confiscation of drugs with an estimated street value of R250 000.
"Various police units which includes members attached to the Garden Route Crime Combatting Team, Rural Flying Squad, Public order Police, Crime Intelligence, K9 and the stations' crime prevention units were deployed in a number of crimefighting efforts as part of the Western Cape police’s operational plan," explained Spies.
This operational plan included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, the closing down of shebeens, compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, joint cooperation with security companies and liquor-licenced premises, high density patrols, as well as 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."
According to Spies substance-abuse related 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 gram tik, 100 gram cocaine and 1,2kg of dagga. More than 2 000 dagga trees were also confiscated. Other than this, police also confiscated just over 30 litres of liquor during the closing down of illegal outlets," Spies said.
Road safety operations also led to the arrest of seven suspects for driving a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of liquor and two stolen vehicles were also recovered.
The remaining arrests were for crimes reported as well as minor offences and includes the arrest of three suspects after stolen sheep were found in their possession.
"The SFS operations form part of concerted efforts by police to safeguard communities and visitors to the region as well as to curb serious and violent crimes normally reported during this period," said Spies. "This strategic deployment of police resources in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies will be sustained for the rest of the festive period and beyond."
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