Drugs are rife in KZN
The report shows that there are several 'hotspots' around KZN, where drugs are being smuggled in
It has recently been revealed that drugs are possibly an even more serious problem than previously thought in KwaZulu-Natal.
Winterton, Bergville and Weenen are known as major dagga growing areas. Lesotho is one of the largest import areas.
Answering a parliamentary question posed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), Provincial Community Safety MEC Willies Mchunu revealed that the department is unable to judge the true extent of the drug problem in KZN.
The response – which provided details surrounding the location of confiscations, the amount of drugs impounded and the number of arrests made – also stated that cocaine and heroin are the most popular choice of drugs in the province.
The report shows that there are several ‘hotspots’ around KZN, where drugs are being smuggled in. Despite a total of 95 arrests, only 41 resulted in imprisonment, with the majority of culprits getting away with an admission of guilt fine.
The DA say they will now push for the urgent reinstatement of KZN’s specialist anti-drug units, as this is not the ‘zero tolerance’ message that needs to be sent out. They say it’s not acceptable that the culprits get away with just a slap on the wrist; this serves as no deterrent whatsoever to drug dealers.
