Cape Town - The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) on Tuesday said it had arrested over 50 suspects for drug-related offences in a weekend operation on Brown Street.
“Numerous complaints have been received about the escalating drug dealing and drug use in Brown Street in the CBD,” said TMPD spokesperson Isaac Mahamba. “TMPD has taken the initiative to tackle this problem head on.”
On Saturday and Sunday, TMPD officers arrested 54 suspects for dealing and possession of drugs in Brown Street.
Suspects were found in possession of drugs such as dagga, nyaope, crystal meth, and related drug paraphernalia. A toy gun was also confiscated and is presumed to have been used in criminal activities.
“The TMPD will continue to monitor Brown Street closely every day and congratulates the officers who are dedicated to arresting people who break the law,” said Mahamba.
The arrests formed part of ongoing operations in Brown Street which began in mid-February and included officers conducting stop-and-searches on people and vehicles. To date, 101 suspects have been arrested, mostly for the possession of drugs.
“The TMPD is working very hard to promote zero tolerance to drug dealing and drug use,” said Mahamba. “Anyone found in possession of any drugs or drug paraphernalia is arrested.”
Mahamba said TMPD was working closely with the justice department to ensure that arrests resulted in appropriate convictions.
In addition to law enforcement, TMPD and other City of Tshwane stakeholders were running a drug awareness campaign. As part of the campaign, a bus travels through the city, helping those addicted to drugs.
African News Agency
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