Swartland and Overstrand K-9 Units continue to interrupt criminals

The Overstrand and Swartland K-9 Units are proving to be a continued menace to criminals, by making their lives very unpleasant. Between 21 February 2023 to 5 March 2023, these units arrested 28 suspects. Of these, 20 were arrested in the Overberg areas, while 8 were arrested in the Swartland area. Various illicit items were also confiscated.

The Swartland K-9 Unit conducted:

- Seven (7) vehicle checkpoints (VCPs),

- Searched 22 vehicles and

- Searched 18 premises.

In addition to this, the unit confiscated narcotics to an estimated value of R 4 700. 

The Overberg K-9 Unit confiscated:

- 209 Mandrax

- 125 bankies transparent bags containing Methamphetamine (Tik),

- 72 bankies Cannabis and

- 3 180 units of whole abandoned abalone at an estimated value of R 150 000.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “Criminals are terrorising our communities; therefore, I’m encouraged to note how menacing our K9 units are to these unscrupulous characters. As part of our cross-municipal safekeeping efforts, I recently joined both units during operations in Swellendam and Saldanha Bay, where they demonstrated how effective they are in assisting other law enforcement agencies. These successes are a reminder to those who are either actively engaged in criminal activities or considering embarking on a life of crime that we have friends with an excellent sense of smell and a set of sharp teeth that will locate you and assist in placing you behind bars.” 

The K9 Unit’s main objective is to serve as a crime fighting force multiplier to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other role-players. The unit does this through the detection and searching for contraband, particularly illegal drugs, firearms and ammunition. The unit also provides assistance to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs to curb the illegal trade of abalone, crayfish and other marine products. 

“Safety across the entire Western Cape remains our priority, and therefore we will continue strengthening these units so that they can achieve more success to ultimately ensure safer communities,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.