Substance abuse in South Africa is growing year on year, according to Quintin van Kerken CEO of the Anti-Drug Alliance South Africa.
“We publish a report roughly every 18 months, and have seen increases almost exponentially since 2007 when we first began researching drug trends,” he said.
Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau concurred with Van Kerken, stating that drugs are a serious problem.
According to Bittkau, there are a couple of hotspots like the Shell garage on the corner of Ysterhout and President Fouché drives and Aruba Lounge on the corner of Malibongwe Drive and Olievenhout Avenue in North Riding.
“People must report any drug-related issues to the sector policing forums and the police at all times,” he said.
Van Kerken added, “At least eight out of 10 dealers are foreign nationals, and the bulk of those are Nigerian.
We have a massive demand for narcotics and they have a distribution and supply chain. Drugs are big business in our country.”
View the map below showing drug hotspots in the north of Johannesburg:
Sophiatown Police Station spokesperson Warrant Officer TJ de Bruyn said in his station’s area, Westbury is the most problematic area, followed by Claremont and Newlands.
“Drugs are a difficult crime to prove in court because you have to find the drugs on the person,” he said.
WO de Bruyn, however, said the police have organised crime units that tackle drug issues.
“This works but investigations may take a long time to be concluded,” he said.
Van Kerken added that it is always difficult to say what can be done to deal with drug problems in the country.
“We would prefer a country where a less prohibitionist stance is taken; however, realistically right now, I think it is of utmost importance to educate yourself and your children about drugs and addiction. Someone who knows the dangers and pitfalls is less likely to fall into addiction.”
Some of the most popular drugs in South Africa are crack cocaine, GHB, ecstasy, dagga, heroin and nyaope.
Details: Crime Stop 08600 10111.
