EDEN CLUSTER – The Eden Cluster Crime Combatting team members, deployed to crime stricken areas in the region, embarked on various crime combating operations under and in support of “Vuthu Hawe” which resulted in the confiscation of drugs, liquor and non-ferrous metal during weekend operations which commenced on Thursday, 24 February 2022.
On Thursday, 24 February 2022, the Eden Cluster Crime Combatting team and members attached to the Public Order Police raided a house at Mayibuye Street, Thembalethu (George). Upon entering the house they noticed a man running towards the bathroom. The vigilant members followed and found him inside. Upon searching the toilet they found 166 Mandrax tablets, 65grams of Tik and a small zipper bag with crushed Mandrax. The team proceeded with a search of a dwelling at the back of the main house where five big dagga parcels were found concealed under a blanket as well as bags with copper cables.
Police confiscated the drugs, copper cables and arrested three suspects aged between 25 and 40. The trio is facing charges of dealing in drugs as well as possession of stolen property.
Furthermore, on the same day, the team, armed with a search warrant, conducted an operation at Fourie Street, Kranshoek just outside Plettenberg Bay. They proceeded with a search of the house when they confiscated 19 Mandrax tablets, 17 quarters and 28 Tik straws. The members arrested a 33-year-old man on charges of dealing in drugs.
Meanwhile, on Friday, 25 February 2022, Uniondale Crime Prevention Unit members conducted a sting operation at Bishop Street, Haarlem near Uniondale in the rural area. The members confiscated various types of liquor and an undisclosed amount of cash, believed to be proceeds of the illicit activities. A 26-year-old woman was arrested on a charge of selling liquor without a licence.
All the arrested suspects will appear in their respective courts once charged.
These arrests and confiscations are in line with policing priorities to eradicate drug and alcohol abuse especially in rural areas. Similar operations will be conducted as part of various initiatives to curb gender based violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Source: South African Police Service