EDEN CLUSTER – Concerted efforts by the Ladismith SAPS Visible Policing members to eradicate and address the distribution of illegal drugs in this rural Kannaland-town, again yielded positive results when their vigilance led to the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect from Elsies River who was found in possession of a small consignment of Mandrax tablets, destined for distribution in Kannaland area.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the members acted on information received from a community member on Saturday, 18 September 2021 of a suspect trafficking drugs from Cape Town to Ladismith. Members pulled over the taxi the suspect was travelling in along the R62 just outside Ladismith. The suspect was brought to Ladismith SAPS where a physical search was conducted that led to the discovery of 100 Mandrax tablets found concealed inside the rectum of the suspect. The drugs were confiscated and handed in as evidence.

The following day, the suspect was released on a warning to appear in the Ladismith Magistrates’ Court on a charge of dealing, alternatively possession of illicit drugs (Mandrax) on 17 January 2022.

Members attached to the Southern Cape Rural Flying Squad also arrested a 31-year-old Calitzdorp-man in connection with the illegal possession of ammunition later the same day, at approximately 21:30. Members again acted on information received and pulled over another taxi travelling towards Ladismith en-route to Calitzdorp.  With the search that ensued, members found 3 x R1 rounds, 2 x 9mm rounds and 1 x R5 rounds in one of the six bags that the suspect had with him. The ammunition was confiscated and the suspect was subsequently arrested.

He was later released on a warning to appear in the Ladismith Magistrates’ court on 21 March 2022 after being charged with the Illegal Possession of Ammunition.

Police Provincial Management has praised the members involved for their continued efforts to eradicate the prevalence of drugs in their communities.

The Eden acting Cluster Commander encouraged the members to maintain their vigilance and safeguarding of the rural communities by all means possible. He had nothing but praise for the excellent work done by all involved. “Although, seemingly small quantities were confiscated, it has a huge positive impact on the prevalence and prevention of crime in the remote rural areas such as the Kannaland,” he concluded.

Source: South African Police Service