Pretoria - Police have arrested 1 823 suspects for drug-related crimes since operations started over a week ago as part of the Drug Watch initiative.
Drug Watch is a Lead SA and Crime Line initiative in partnership with the SAPS, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board.
Drug Watch aims to tackle the drug problem in Gauteng and also to assist drug addicts and their families to seek help from rehabilitation and reintegration facilities. It was officially launched at the Sophiatown Police Station in Johannesburg last week.
“Drug Watch operations started on Friday, 21 June and have seen an intensified effort between the public and police to clamp down on the trade and manufacture of illicit drugs in Gauteng. We thank the community for the information they have passed on, which has allowed the SAPS to act,” said Gauteng police spokesman, Brigadier Neville Malila.
The public has been urged to continue passing tip-offs to Crime Line and the police so that more arrest can be made.
“All indications are that the people are hungry for action. The stories we’ve heard over the last couple of days are a call on all of us to pull together and make a difference,” said Lead SA activist and Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee.
Members of the community can pass on detailed anonymous tip-offs to Crime Line’s 32211 SMS service (SMS cost R1), call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit them online at www.crimeline.co.za. – SAnews.gov.za
