Drug addiction has impact into Standerton community

Drug abuse has become an increasingly difficult challenge for Standerton residents, with addiction battles fought daily and often lost due to the town’s saturated drug market.

Following recent drug busts where three labs were shut down by the Hawks, the Standerton Advertiser spoke to key role players witnessing the impact of drug abuse firsthand.

Far-reaching drug problem
Captain Braam Robberts, communications officer for Standerton SAPS, explained that drug users often become pawns in a larger criminal network.

“Drug abusers are easy targets for criminals who use them to do the dirty work while staying hidden,” he said.

Due to addiction, abusers rarely recover without professional help, which can be costly. Often, neither the user nor their family can afford proper rehabilitation. Even then, relapse is common as users return to environments filled with stigma, old friends, and unemployment.

“Friends who used drugs with the rehabilitated abuser often draw them back, restarting the vicious cycle,” said Robberts.

Unemployed abusers frequently turn to crime to fund their addiction, targeting cheap items like cellphones, gaming consoles, and firearms.

“Their only concern is their next fix, so these items hold little value to them,” he added.

In advanced addiction stages, users may become homeless as families struggle to cope. This creates issues for local businesses, pedestrians, and other homeless individuals.

Challenges in law enforcement
Robberts noted that prosecuting drug-related crimes is difficult. Offenders are often released on bail after their first court appearance, and forensic evidence can take months to process.

By then, tracking and recharging offenders is challenging. Penalties are generally light, causing cases to restart repeatedly.

Investigating such cases can be costly, with outcomes not always justifying the expense. The true extent of Standerton’s drug problem remains unknown, but the recent arrest of eight suspected drug manufacturers reveals a deeper issue.

Community and parental role
“There is no effective punishment for drug abuse, so abusers do not fear repercussions,” Robberts said.

He urged parents to educate their children about the dangers and long-term effects of drugs. He also called on the public to work together to make a difference.

Community members with information about drug abuse or crime can report anonymously via the MySaps app or through suggestion boxes at local police stations.

A social ill
Social workers from Standerton SAVF frequently deal with drug abuse cases, especially when children must be removed from homes where caretakers are addicted. Hanlie Brits, a social worker, explained the overwhelming impact drug abuse has on households.

“Friendships and relationships suffer because drug use often changes a person’s personality, leading to aggression,” she said.

Children are often removed when parents are unable to care for them. Brits also highlighted the pressure drug abuse places on social and medical services. “Unemployment rates rise each year due to drug abuse,” she added.

Brits identified codeine, mandrax, crystal meth, nyaope, marijuana, and heroin as the most widespread drugs in Standerton.

“The easy accessibility and difficulty of rehabilitation make this threat even more dangerous,” she concluded.

Where there is addiction, crime follows
Jandré Kasselman of Kasselman Security Services (KSS) confirmed that criminal activity increases in areas with high drug abuse.

“Given the number of known abusers, it’s clear that local manufacturers are still active,” he said.

He also believes drugs are being brought into Standerton from other towns. Kasselman stressed the importance of cooperation between private security, police, and the public to combat drug manufacturing and dealing.

“Drugs destroy lives and push users into crime, but we will not stop fighting these crimes,” Kasselman concluded.