Drug busts and arrests escalate

SHANELA 2: 8 552 NABBED FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER

- Vhahangwele Nemakonde

Drug busts have become common in South Africa, raising the question: are communities tipping off police more often now, or are these activities increasing?

On 26 June, the South African Police Service (Saps) launched Operation Shanela 2, a nationwide operation targeting serious and violent crime in crime hotspots across the country.

According to Saps, the operation is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency through employing advanced strategies, technologies and deployment of additional resources to respond to the crime trends and patterns.

In September and October alone, police uncovered drugs worth millions in different areas and arrested several suspects.

On 19 September, police in Mpumalanga dismantled a crystal methamphetamine laboratory worth an estimated R350 million and arrested five foreign nationals on a farm in Volksrust after receiving a tip-off.

The informant reported a strange chemical smell emanating from the premises, which raised suspicions of illicit drug manufacturing. On arrival, officers found the gates locked.