Ladismith and Knysna SAPS clamp down on illegal drug trade

Ladismith SAPS has extended a stern warning to potential drug peddlers to refrain from their illegal activities as they have already started with pre-weekend crime combatting operations to address the distribution of illegal drugs and to close down drug outlets that threaten the overall safety of vulnerable communities in the remote rural areas. This warning follows the arrest of three suspects that were arrested in the early hours of this morning 26 October 2022 on the R62 between Ladismith and Barrydale after they were found in possession of 1936 Mandrax tablets.

Preliminary investigation suggests that members of the Ladismith Visible Policing and members of their Crime Prevention Unit operationalized information received from the public and conducted a vehicle checkpoint on the R62. On the approach of the suspicious silver Ford Ranger bakkie, members responded and pulled over the double cab with three (3) occupants inside. They ensured with a search and found the 1936 Mandrax tablets that were concealed in a black backpack.

Members subsequently arrested the three (3) suspects between the ages of 28 and 37 and confiscated the consignment of drugs that were found.

The trio faces a charge of illegal possession of drugs and is scheduled to appear in the Ladismith Magistrates’ court tomorrow, Thursday, 27 October 2022.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday 25 October 2022 at about 16:00, Knysna Crime Prevention members acted on information through an intelligence-driven operation and pounced on a residence in Bongani, Knysna where they ensued with a search which led to the discovery of 80 bundles of Khat valued at approximately R12 000-00. As a result of the find they arrested a suspect in his mid-twenties who is scheduled to appear in the Knysna magistrates’ court on Thursday, 27 October 2022, facing a charge of possession of drugs.

Garden Route District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, lauded the members for their vigilance and commitment to remove drugs from the streets that threatens the safety and wellbeing of our vulnerable communities that stay on the periphery of our rural areas.