Substance abuse has led to the SAPS cracking down on alleged drug peddlers.
oSizweni Crime Prevention members confiscated nyaope from a suspect in the area on October 20.
Newcastle SAPS spokesperson, Captain Jabulani Ncube said the discovery was made when the crime prevention team was conducting an Intelligence Driven Operation.
“On the day in question, the unit followed up on information regarding the drugs.”
When the unit arrived at the house in Section B, oSizweni, they found the drugs wrapped up in black plastic.
The suspect was taken into police custody. However, the Intelligence Driven Operation also led the unit to other households in oSizweni.
A 68-year-old woman was then arrested for being in possession of dagga, with a street value of R800.
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A further four suspects were arrested for being in possession of dry, loose dagga to the value of R1 600.
The suspects are set to appear in Madadeni Magistrate’s Court.
South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) councillor, Lillian Gajoo was perturbed by the distribution of nyaope.
“Nyaope is a mixture of dagga, heroine and antiretrovirals, which has become quiet popular with children from 13 years to adults in their 20s.”
With dagga, we have seen children as young as 11 years using it.”
Gajoo said over the past six weeks, SANCA has handled a total of seven cases of people trying to break away from the clutches of nyaope.
“Parents need to be on the lookout for any behavioural changes in their children, as nyaope is in Newcastle.”
While symptoms of nyaope use varied, Gajoo said the most common and noticeable symptoms were hyperactivity, droopy eyes, lethargic behaviour and a drastic change in daily and personal habits.
Gajoo encouraged drugs users to make use of SANCA’s services in order to break away from their drug addictions.
“We have four councillors who are always there to help.”
SANCA can be contacted on 034 312 3641, or visited at 57 Paterson Street (behind the Child Welfare Offices.
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