Three in the dock over illicit drugs in Swellendam

The eradication of drug abuse and trafficking in Swellendam, reaps success through ongoing crime prevention initiatives and high density patrols targeted at illicit drug outlets.

Members attached to the local police station arrested three suspects, a 52-year-old woman, a 51 and 33-year-old men in separate incidents and charged them for dealing in and the possession of drugs, respectively. During the dealing in drugs incident, members of the Swellendam Crime Prevention Unit spotted a known drug user who ran into a known drug house when he spotted the members. The members in pursuit gained access to the premises in Vollenhoven Street to conduct a search during which they discovered a loose panel in the floor. Upon further investigation, they found and confiscated 230 mandrax tablets as well as 46.22 gram of tik inside. They subsequently arrested the 52-year-old woman.

Later the same day, the sector commander conducted crime prevention patrols when he received information from the public about a possible drug delivery at a specific identified address. The member operationalised the information and pounced on the identified suspected illegal drug outlet situated in Leeubekkie Street where he conducted a search, resulting in the discovery of 556 mandrax tablets. The 51-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with the possession of drugs.

Yesterday, Wednesday, 07 June 2023, members attached to the Crime Prevention Unit operationalised information received and pounced on a residence in September Street in Railton where they ensued with a search of the premises. During the search, the members found and confiscated 153.77gram of tik that was found on the premises. The discovery led to the arrest of the 33-year-old man who had been charged for the illegal dealing in drugs, alternatively for the possession of drugs.

The three suspects were scheduled to appear in the Swellendam Magistrate’s’ court once charged.

All these arrests are part of increased high density patrols and actions aimed at eradicating drug abuse and trafficking in Railton which is regarded as major crime generator and contributor within the Swellendam policing precinct.

Police management in the province has lauded the local police for the endurance and ongoing crime prevention initiatives to address the root causes of crime in their area.

Source: South African Police Service