Cape Town - The City of Cape Town's Operation Cobra has led to the seizure of over a quarter of a million Rands worth of drugs, alcohol and cash and the arrest of 37 suspects for dealing in narcotics over the past month.
The operation, which is carried out by the city's Substance Abuse Unit (SAU), also known as the Drug Busters, also closed a suspected dagga factory in Observatory where they found evidence of dagga cultivation.
According to the Chairperson of Drug Busters, Councillor Glen Kleinsmith, the unit's co-ordinated efforts with the South African Police Services (SAPS) have definitely made inroads in the fight against substance abuse.
Apart from the successful Operation Cobra busts, the unit has also prioritised 61 council flats and houses for immediate action, he said.
Currently there are about 208 cases against residents in council properties which are in various stages of action. To date 33 eviction notices have been served.
Mr Kleinsmith affirmed that on average the Drug Busters deal with 30 complaints per day.
"With the help of the community, we will continue to clamp down on the supply of drugs. Residents are our eyes and ears and I want to assure them that we will verify and investigate all information," said Mr Kleinsmith.
The operation has also led to the appointment of more dogs trained to locate hidden drugs.
He further explained that the unit was currently working closely with SAPS and communities to put into effect the New Liquor Act in ensuring that residents behave accordingly and also to ensure safety and security of communities.
Residents can call (021) 900-1719 or (021) 596-1999 day and night. Alternatively they can SMS information to 32211.
People needing help with alcohol or drug addiction can call the toll free helpline on 0800 435 748.
