WESTERN CAPE - Ongoing high density patrols and crime combatting operations under the theme “More boots on the ground towards enhanced police visibility” as part of Safer Festive Season operations, took police to a drug outlet at Mossel Bay where drugs with an estimated street value of R315 000-00 and just more than R85 000-00 cash were confiscated.

On Friday, 06 January 2023 at about 10:00 members attached to the Garden Route Crime Combatting Team, Da Gamaskop police and K9 armed with a search warrant descended on a house at Hermanus Street, D`Almeida in Mossel Bay. The vigilant members proceeded with a search of the premises and found drugs as well as a substantial amount of cash inside a room. Police confiscated 50 grams of heroin, 589 mandrax tablets and 1091 grams of tik at the premises. A 54-year-old man was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs.

The cash confiscated is believed to be proceeds of the illicit drug trade.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on Monday, 09 January 2023.

Meanwhile, on the same day, police deployed in the area (Mossel Bay) also arrested three suspects for possession of drugs after small quantities of drugs were found in their possession. In Groot Brakrivier and Thembalethu, police arrested two suspects for selling liquor without a licence. Just over 843 litres of liquor were confiscated during these arrests.

During the week Rural Flying Squad members deployed along the N12 and R62 also confiscated R300 000-00 worth of drugs.

Western Cape police management lauded the members for all the confiscations and arrests. It is in line with policing priorities of the province to eradicate the illicit drug trade and to rid communities of drugs. These arrests and confiscations forms part of ongoing safer festive season operations.

All arrested will appear in their respective courts once charged.

Source: South African Police Service