A multidisciplinary team led by the Hawks arrested 11 suspects who are accused of being part of a drug syndicate
THE NORTHERN Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, has commended the Hawks and support teams for the arrest of 11 suspects on Monday who are accused of being part of a drug syndicate operating in the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
Bloem said that the arrests have halted the distribution of drugs that would have destroyed the lives of many residents in the Province.
“The teamwork displayed affirms what is possible when we have positive collaborations undergirding operations, especially operations targeting drug dealing and trafficking,” said Bloem.
“Uncovering the syndicate is significant in that it addresses localised and more extended criminal operations. It also curtails the movement and distribution of drugs from the sources to where it reaches our streets.”
Bloem pointed out that drugs have had a destructive effect on many lives.
“So many of our young people are trapped in the cycle of addiction, a condition that may render them vulnerable to criminality. To feed their addiction, our youth steal and rob people to gain access to drugs. We also see in our homes how aggressive and violent our children have become towards their parents. Breaking these causal links, like the supply of drugs, becomes our most powerful weapon in addressing this crisis.”
Bloem added that drugs had a “ripple effect” on other social ills.
“We must note that there is a direct correlation between substance abuse and instances of domestic abuse and gender-based violence.
“Any effort to remove drugs from our streets must be respected and praised for the role it plays in creating healthier and safer communities where our youth have an opportunity to chase after their dreams and not a temporary high,” Bloem concluded.
