In a concerted effort to eradicate the proliferation, selling and distribution of illicit drugs that generate serious as well as violent crimes, various police units conducted a clandestine operation at a premises in George where drugs and cultivating equipment with an estimated street value of R1,1 million were confiscated. The team concluded a three month operation which commenced during June 2022 following a tip-off on illicit activities at the house.

On Friday, 02 September 2022 the police contingent comprising Western Cape Organised Crime Investigators (Narcotics section), Garden Route District Intelligence and George Crime Prevention Unit armed with a search warrant descended on the premises at Stemmet Street, Blanco when they discovered an indoor dagga cultivation laboratory where high quality of dagga was cultivated. They confiscated 38 dagga trees, numerous containers and parcels of dried dagga, cultivating equipment as well as two cell phones found on the premises. The occupant of the premises was subsequently arrested on charges of cultivating and dealing in drugs.

The 33-year-old suspect remains in police custody. He is scheduled to appear in the George Magistrates’ court on Monday, 05 September 2022 on mentioned charges.

Western Cape police management commended the efforts of these members as police continue to deal with substance abuse that generate serious and violent crimes in this region.

Source: South African Police Service