Drugs peddlers targeted by SAPS

Drug abuse in town has reached a level where it could no longer be ignored.

“There has been an increase of drug abuse and the age group of users are getting younger!” exclaimed Lillian Gajoo, a social worker from South African National Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SANCA).

Mrs Gajoo said teenagers were experimenting at a far younger age, with dagga acting as the gateway drug. “After dagga, it is Mandrax, then cocaine. We recently had a 15-year-old doing crack cocaine,” she said.

Targeting drug peddlers, 50 police officers recently conducted a sting operation at Paradise Municipal Flats.

The officers were from Covert Crime Intelligence Durban (CCID), Hawks, K9 unit, Newcastle Organised Crime unit and National Intervention Unit, after information had been passed onto the CCID regarding an influx of drugs into the area.

Captain Shooz Magudulela, police spokesperson said flats were identified where narcotics were allegedly being sold.

During the operation, a man was found in possession of dagga, cocaine powder, two packets of crack and rock. “These operations will be ongoing to stop the destruction of Newcastle youth,” Captain Magudulela declared.

Captain Magudulela encouraged residents to contact 034 314 6767 or 034 314 6400, should they have information regarding the sale or abuse of drugs.

Mrs Gajoo explained it was vital that parents acknowledge their child needed help when caught abusing substances, and to play an active role in the rehabilitation process.

“SANCA is not a magic wand; it takes more than one session to break a habit. It is a process that starts with identifying there was a problem, acknowledging there was a problem, then finally rehabilitation and support groups,” Mrs Gajoo explained.

Currently there are two support groups, Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

SANCA can be contacted on 034 312 3641.