Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC Reagan Allen has lauded the Overstrand Law Enforcement K9 Unit for their role in arresting four suspects in separate incidents. A large amount of drugs and abalone were also seized during these operations.
The Overstrand K9 unit operates throughout the Overberg District. On 22 October, the Unit assisted the Gansbaai police with searches at two suspected drug houses in the area.
The police confiscated tik and tik lollies, ecstasy and various other types of tablets, 48 jars containing cannabis (dagga) and magic mushrooms during these two operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Winston Coetzee, the Gansbaai Police Station commander, confirmed two suspects aged 50 and 58 had been arrested at premises in Eiland and Cliff streets in De Kelders and appeared in court for possession of drugs.
“The magistrate set bail to the amount of R1 000 for Gideon Shapiro (58), while Johan Engelbrecht (50) was released on a warning until the next court appearance.”
On 25 October the K9 Unit assisted in a joint operation with the police, Cape Nature and officials from the Department of Forestry, Fishery and the Environment (DFFE).
Sergeant Tembi Gweyi, spokesperson for the Caledon police, reported that police officials started following a vehicle after it had ignored a stop sign in Caledon.
“The driver of the silver BMW X3 reportedly started driving recklessly when he noticed the police pursuing them,” he stated.
The authorities managed to stop the vehicle at the Van der Stell Pass near Bot River. According to a statement from Allen’s office, officials noticed what appeared to be slime from abalone when they stopped the vehicle.
“Further inspection led to the discovery of 10 bags containing 2 571 units of abalone, which has an estimated street value of R1,2 million. Two suspects were arrested.”
On the same day the Overstrand Law Enforcement Unit also assisted in the Hangklip area, where six bags containing 132 units of abalone were found abandoned. The estimated street value is R61 500. No arrests were made.
Allen said: “Man’s best friend, their handlers and all officials must be commended for these arrests, confiscations and overall successes.
“They are continuing to do a sterling job in ensuring the routes criminals are using to transport their illicit items are interrupted. This is part of the reason the Western Cape Government invested in the K9 Unit, as we want to ensure our residents are kept out of harm’s way and are able to live in safer communities. We will not cease our effective working relationship with all role-players, as we are fully aware that through collaboration we will be able to create safer roads, coastlines and communities.”
