National statistics puts eMalahleni second in the country. While the Drug Action Committee (DAC) meets on a monthly basis to organize awareness events and educate people of the dangers of drug abuse, police are trying to keep drugs off the streets.
The past weekend has been busy for SAPS with three notable arrests made.
On August 1 Witbank SAPS officers arrested a man allegedly in possession of drugs. The arrest was made in the middle of the afternoon when police searched a house and allegedly found dagga plants being grown as well as a bag of dagga. The police did not disclose where the house is located.
Another arrest was made on Friday as well, at about 16:30 as people were making their way home for the weekend. Officers who were on duty in Jellico Street picked up a young man (24) who was allegedly in possession of drugs.
On Saturday morning another two men were searched by patrolling policemen in Van Deventer Street. The officers found drugs in their possession and arrested them.
The fight against drugs has many fronts, not just the arrests made by the SAPS.
DAC consists of many stakeholders that are on the ground and dealing with these issues all the time, such as Sanca, several police stations, youth activist organisations, Community Policing Forum, council members and municipal representatives among several other institutes. So far they have had an eventful year with career days and sports events.
The courts also play a part in the cycle of justice. All of the suspects who were arrested over the recent weekend will appear in court during the week, although these cases sometimes take over a year to see an end.
This week there were convictions at Witbank Magistrate’s Court regarding drug cases that first appeared at the end of 2013.
The third area is finding support and rehabilitation for those willing to break their addiction.
For more information on the effects of drugs contact the South African National Council on Alcoholism and drug addition (SANCA) on 013 656 2370.
Comment below: How do you feel about drug abuse?
