The confiscation of dangerous weapons and drugs, and the removal of expired food items from tuck shops were part of the actions undertaken by last week’s Operation Shanela.
This multi-disciplinary high-density operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains consistent in putting more boots on the ground during the police’s national Safer Festive Season Operations.
The latest disruptive actions across the province commenced on Thursday, 23 November, and concluded on Sunday, 26 November.
During this time, the police and other law enforcement agencies executed 8 300 actions that included random stop and searches of 3 690 persons and 1 661 vehicles, 1 330 high visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, secondhand goods dealers and scrapyards, compliance inspections at firearm dealers, and visits to spaza shops.
On Friday two male persons, aged 37 and 40 years, were arrested for dealing in drugs in Kimberley. The suspects were found with Tik, with an estimated street value of R103 000 as well as cash, in their possession.
On Wednesday, the police in Springbok followed up on information and pounced on a truck driver and his crew member, confiscating endangered plants and dagga worth about R700 000.
Reservist WO Happie van Wyk and Const. Collin Jabulani stopped and searched the truck on the N7 road outside Springbok.
Endangered plants worth about R450 000, and dagga worth approximately R250 000 were confiscated from the delivery truck.
The two male suspects, aged 43 and 46 years, were charged for the illegal possession of endangered plants and dagga and will appear in the Springbok Magistrates’ Court soon.
The Namakwa district commissioner, Brig. Schalk Andrews, commended the members for their vigilance, and thanked the community for their assistance in this regard, said Lt. Col. Sergio Kock, police spokesperson.
