Overstrand Rural Safety Unit (ORSU) enjoyed a huge success in the fight against drugs and drug smuggling when they confiscated 163 cannabis plants and a variety of paraphernalia associated with growing cannabis during a raid on a suspected cannabis laboratory in Gansbaai
In addition to this, the ORSU, in cooperation with Overstrand Municipality Law Enforcement’s Rapid Response Unit, K9 Unit, Task Team, Water Wing and the South African Police Service, arrested 22 suspects in the period 28 August to 3 September for a range of crimes.
Two suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, one for possession of abalone and five for possession of and transporting undersized Steenbras fish.
This species is rated as a no-sale species within South Africa, meaning only recreational fishers with a permit may catch one Steenbras per person per day.
The fish should be a minimum size of 60 cm and recreational fishers are not allowed to sell their catches.
The ORSU also confiscated 968 units of abalone with an estimated street value of R124 000 as well as diving equipment.
During the raid on the alleged cannabis laboratory the officials confiscated 163 dagga plants, related paraphernalia and R4 119 in cash. Two suspects were also arrested on charges of dealing in drugs.
The suspects and their confiscated goods were handed over to Gansbaai police.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “Our K-9 and Rural Safety units continue to show why they are so important in combating crime throughout the Western Cape.
“The more we collaborate, the greater our joint successes will be. As the Western Cape government we remain committed to working with all relevant and law enforcement entities so that safer communities can be created throughout the province.”
