A powerful message is being sent to those involved in Newcastle’s illicit drug trade: “Stay out of our town”. This firm stance comes after 20 individuals were arrested on Friday, 24 May 2024, for using drugs in public, showing that this scourge will no longer be tolerated within Newcastle’s borders.
Highlighting the alarming rise in drug usage in Newcastle, Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Ismaeel Dhalech reported that the Newcastle SAPS, in collaboration with the CPF, conducted a large-scale operation on Friday afternoon.
The crackdown focused on the Newcastle CBD, intending to catch drug users in the act.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Newcastle CPF and Newcastle SAPS, 20 suspects were apprehended with illegal drugs in their possession or caught in the process of injecting themselves with the illegal substances. The prompt action of the operation led to their immediate arrest, and their drugs confiscated as evidence.
Discussing the successful operation, Dhalech explained, “Crime is linked to the ‘paras’ in town who steal to support their drug habits. Unfortunately, it’s what they live for. Currently, the most popular drugs in town are whoonga and crystal meth, both of which are highly addictive.”
Moreover, Dhalech pointed out that drug-related crimes have affected several key areas in Newcastle, including:
- Barry Hertzog Park
- Voortrekker Road
- Kirkland Street
- The entire Newcastle CBD
Brigadier Vassie Naidoo, the Newcastle SAPS Station Commander, added that the initiative was initially one established by the local CPF with the Newcastle Police providing the necessary assistance to ensure arrests could be carried out.
“Drug usage needs to be addressed in town, with the Newcastle SAPS and Newcastle CPF working together to resolve the matter,” noted Brigadier Naidoo. He further highlighted that by targeting the users, law enforcement was hindering dealers’ market and making it harder for them to sell their wares.
Looking at the overall problem, Dhalech stressed that law enforcement and the CPF were determined to reclaim the town, with this operation signifying the dawn of a new era for Newcastle.
Delivering a stern warning to those involved in the drug trade, Dhalech stated, “Stay out of our town.”
He further warned that Friday’s operation was just the beginning, with ongoing efforts planned to rid Newcastle of drugs entirely.
With law enforcement now taking a decisive stance against drugs in Newcastle, and a series of ongoing operations aimed at both dealers and users, what are your thoughts on this bold crackdown?
Share your views in the comment section below.
10 Responses
Excellent effort by the CPF and SAPS however the major impact of drug abuse is in Lennoxton Fernwood and Paradise areas. The Indian youth at the grounds in Paradise I the problem as well as Loga Govender who is now expanding his operation from Paradise to Fernwood. This person needs to addressed. Also with past experiences SAPS members are the biggest problem as they are extensively connected to the drug dealers in Newcastle. The Nigerian connection is also very big. Well done for the initiative at least the community us satisfied with the efforts made.
Well done on the bust chaps. I can’t believe these people were injecting themselves in public.
Arresting users won’t stop the drugs or the users going back on the streets.
Target the runners
The ones selling or the bigger merchants
SAPS is well aware of the main sources but obviously are too afraid too do the right thing or are being paid quite well to walk right pass
Our kids are dying and honestly no one cares
Make them point out the dealers and take the dealers off the streets
As always, Newcastle SAPS go for the easy targets …
You do know it’s governments responsibility to drug users and the homeless to help them recover , help house them, help feed them? Look after them?
You do know the police are supposed to work for government?
1. Arresting a user has and will never stop the drug trade.
2. Tell us, what is the stats for house robberies, murders, theft, assault in newcastle, madadeni, ozizweni?
3. The police know exactly who the dealers are, that why they have been able to operate all this time with impunity..
4. How many unsolved dockets do you have currently in file ???
There is no protection, security, no resolve…
Next we will hear it’s the publics fault again……
Do us a favor, relinquish authority to Magenta Security and Ithemba ect.
He must have racing at a heck of a speed. Glad he didn’t take anyone else out. Hope he’s learnt his lesson. Speed kills!
Well done SAPS
We appreciate these efforts
Please do a follow up with what the result was on the first appearance of the arrested in court. The roleplayers kentioned in the article know too well that the actions they took will have zero impact on the drug trade in Newcastle.
Great job. But is any assistance given to the users? Addiction is a problem and and a person can’t just get over it. Prison will increase their usage. Are they given options to go to a government rehab?
Good job indeed but for this to have successful results, ask the users to identify the seller and they are the one who suppose to be arrested but still is good to take away the user’s for the sake of healing and sucking relevant information. Thank you it must not be done once but continually.