Photo: SAPS
Photo: SAPS
A shoemaker from the Garden Route town of Knysna must be kicking himself after police raided his store and seized cannabis valued at around R20 000 on Tuesday 27 April.
The 47-year-old man was the ‘sole’ culprit put in handcuffs by police, and he was subsequently charged with dealing in drugs. Police lauded the continued efforts of Western Cape law enforcement to root out drug-related crimes.
SAPS determined to kick the habit and rid streets of drugs
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies said in a statement that the bust demonstrates law enforcement agencies determination to give the scourge of drugs the proverbial boot.
“Substance abuse remains one of the major contributors to crime, hence our dedicated focus to eradicate the illegal distribution and trafficking of drugs,” he said.
“Concerted efforts yielded positive results when police confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R20 000 that was destined for local distribution. A shoemaker was arrested at his shop near the taxi rank at Nelson Street, Knysna on Tuesday, 27 April 2021 at about 14:15.”
Cannabis-slinging cobbler a ‘shoe-in’ for serious punishment
Spies said that the shoemaker was stitched up by a member of the public, who gave the Knysna Crime Prevention Unit information that led them to his shop. Once inside, they discovered the man’s stash of cannabis.
“Members of the police received a tip-off about illegal activities at the shop from a member of the public. A search of the premises ensued when a black bag with five parcels of dagga wrapped in brown sellotape were found hidden on the premises,” he said.
The items were confiscated, with the suspect remanded in custody until He appears in court after charges of dealing in drugs.
Eden Cluster Commander, Major General Oswald Reddy, praised the members for the arrest and subsequent confiscations. He also thanked the public for the information that assisted the police in removing these “laced” substances from the streets.
