Pretoria - Drugs with a street value of R4 million have been confiscated in Gauteng since the launch of the Drug Watch campaign in June.
A total of 11 838 people have been arrested in connection with drug related crimes.
The majority of these arrests were made following tip-offs from members of the public, Gauteng police spokesman Brigadier Neville Malila said on Monday.
“Such information recently led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Moreleta Park, Pretoria, where police also seized dagga worth an estimated street value of R300 000. We are confident that we will see more significant arrests as the Drug Watch initiative continues,” Malila said.
Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee, lauded the community and police for working together to “make it uncomfortable for drug dealers and manufacturers to continue holding the public at ransom”.
Drug Watch is also assisting drug addicts and their families to seek help towards rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“We are inundated with calls and e-mails of desperate families who are trying to help a loved one who has fallen prey to drugs. We thank organisations such as SANCA, NICRO, LifeLine, Narcotics Anonymous, Youth Arise and Legae La Nnete who have been invaluable in offering advice and assistance to these families when called upon,” said Abramjee.
Police have urged communities to continue reporting and sending tip-offs to Crime Line’s 32211 SMS service or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Drug Watch is a Lead SA and Crime Line initiative, in partnership with the SAPS, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and the Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board. – SAnews.gov.za
