Law enforcement locks down on drug abuse in Umjindi

Following community members’ concerns about the extensive use of drugs in Umjindi, the local police arrested an alleged dealer over the weekend.

According to Const Tutu Nkosi, Barberton police spokesman, Chigibo Ontiyo Samuel (37) was taken into custody at about 18:00 on Saturday.

“We received a tip-off that Ontiyo, who resides in the Cathyville area, was dealing drugs. The SAPS raided his house and discovered 27 sachets, weighing 84g each, hidden in a fridge. An amount of R13 500 in cash was also discovered,” said Nkosi.

She said the narcotics would be sent to the laboratory to determine their origin. Ontiyo was charged with dealing. On Monday he appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court and at the time of going to print, the verdict was unknown.

His arrest came less than a month after Barberton Times exposed an illegal smoking zone, which has since been nicknamed Lovers’ Lane Corner in Kriel Street extension.

Reliable information indicated that the area was gradually becoming a hub for cocaine trafficking. In separate arrests, the police blitz over the weekend nabbed 12 people. Five were arrested for drunken driving, one for operating an illegal liquor outlet, two for possession of dagga, two for being in possession of dangerous weapons, one for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and another for dealing drugs.

Besides the five who were arrested for drunken driving, the rest of the suspects were expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday.