GANSBAAI – Stolen items were recovered, drugs were seized and 34 suspects were arrested in connection with a range of crimes during Gansbaai police’s Operation Restore.
The crime prevention operation was executed from 5 to 11 September in conjunction with other role players including Overstrand Law Enforcement and officials from the Department of Correctional Services.
Gansbaai police commander Colonel Winston Coetzee reported that the operation was highly successful and included the arrest of 12 suspects for dealing in and possession of drugs, five for marine related charges and one for attempted murder.
Furthermore, five suspects were arrested for being in possession of dangerous weapons, three for possession of suspected stolen property, two for assault, one for theft and one suspect for illegal possession of ammunition. “Four suspects were arrested for offences related to the Western Cape Liquor Act,” Coetzee stated.
The authorities also recovered a generator, petrol chainsaw and power tools that had been stolen. Heroin, Mandrax, crystal meth (tik), dagga and 2 161 units of abalone were also seized during the operation.
“Five licensed liquor outlets were visited to check for under-age drinking and liquor licence conditions compliance,” said Coetzee.
Nine second-hand goods premises were visited to check for compliance, stolen goods and stolen copper. Illegal liquor outlets (shebeens) were searched and a large quantity of liquor was confiscated. Searches were also conducted at premises associated with gangs and drugs. Several suspects appeared in Hermanus Magistrates’ Court, others in Bredasdorp Court.