Community action prompts police raids at drug hot spots in Phoenix

AN OUTCRY from the Phoenix community over the mushrooming of drug dens - selling drugs and alcohol to minors - has prompted police to take action and raid known drug hotspots.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

While some community leaders have praised police for the numerous drug-related arrests over the past month, others claimed law enforcement was "only going after runners".

They called on police to target the drug kingpins.

Mark Nadesan, spokesperson for the Phoenix Community Police Forum (CPF), said the community had enough of their children's lives being destroyed by drugs and alcohol.

He said the arrest of Vernon Reuben, a sports bar owner from Canehaven, was as a result of the community's assistance in being the eyes and ears of the police.

Reuben, 50, was arrested on Wednesday after police raided a sports bar he operated from his residence. He was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine, mandrax tablets and vodka sachets, all with a street value of about R20 260. Police also seized a modified firearm and five live rounds of ammunition

Reuben appeared in the Verulam Magistrate's Court on Thursday and was released on R3 000 bail.