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This follows police confiscating 135 parcels of heroin over the past week, putting three drug dealers behind bars in the process.
SAPS Corporate Communications and Liaison Officer, Lizzy Arumugam, elaborates on the pressing issue, highlighting the drug bust follows an intelligence-driven operation involving multiple police units from both Newcastle and Osizweni.
The operation was implemented after police received information on the drugs being sold in the community. The first arrest took place in Section F, Osizweni, when one suspect was found with five heroin parcels, as well as mandrax. Concerned about the presence of heroin, the police officers extended their investigations.
This resulted in two more men from Osizweni being found with the illicit drug. The two men were found with 36 packages and 94 packages of heroin, respectively. While the SAPS is diligently targeting dealers within the community, the importance of education on drug abuse yet again becomes imperative. The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) stresses the implications of heroin use is significant.
According to the organisation, short-term effects include a sense of excitement and calmness. Nevertheless, it is the long-term effects which truly have negative implications.
These side-effects include:
- Psychosis and other mental health-related issues.
- Physical health issues such as HIV infection, liver damage, lung infections, as well as other viral and bacterial infections.
- Severe weight loss and a loss of appetite.
- An individual’s immune system also declines, which results in a person’s health out being placed in jeopardy.
- Overdosing and death
If you suspect a person is dealing in the narcotic, it is imperative you contact local SAPS in order to remove the threat from our community.
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