Some of the officers conducting roadblocks in the Garden Route area as part of the festive season operations. Photo: Twitter/@SAPoliceService
At least 17 people were arrested along the Garden Route District for driving under the influence of alcohol during the height of the festive season, as police clamped down on motorists.
Around 70 more were arrested for drugs.
The statistics were released by Western Cape law enforcement officials while conducting a crime combatting operation, geared towards enhanced police visibility, which kicked off on 23 December.
Around 425 suspects have been arrested for various crimes.
70 people were taken into custody for drug-related offences, 17 for driving a vehicle whilst under the influence of liquor, 25 for possession of dangerous weapons, and four for the possession of stolen property.
Police confiscated 629 Mandrax tablets, 193 grams of Tik, 826 grams of dagga, 183 dagga plants, 8 grams of Mandrax powder, and 229 litres of liquor during operations.
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The strategic deployment of police resources was done with Western Cape Provincial Traffic, Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement authorities, local security companies, and community safety structures.
Operations included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, closing down of shebeens, compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, security companies and liquor-licenced premises, high-density patrols, and foot patrols at malls and beaches.
Garden Route District Commissioner Major General Norman Modishana reported that, after receiving their search and seizure warrants, they dispersed to four hotspots in the Riversdale and Still Bay area, where they found individuals dealing in drugs.
Police confiscated 34 bankies of Tik, 30 Mandrax tablets and R9 400 cash, believed to be proceeds of the illegal drug trade.
On Saturday, Garden Route Crime Combatting Team members conducted an intelligence-driven operation at a house in Lawaaikamp, George.
Upon arrival, they noticed a man running towards the bathroom of the house and flushing the toilet. Members responded and blocked the drain, where they found Tik and Mandrax being flushed away.
Police confiscated 110 grams of Tik and 417 Mandrax tablets, 57 halves and 30 quarters.
One occupant of the premises was subsequently arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs.
All arrested suspects will appear in their respective courts once charged.
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