Drugs, illicit cigarettes and fish seized during four-day Northern Cape coastal operation

Police in the Northern Cape seized drugs, illicit cigarettes and unlawfully harvested fish during a four-day Operation Phakisa that targeted coastal towns and activities.

What happened

The multi-agency operation ran between Tuesday and Saturday and focused on coastal areas including Kleinzee, Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay, Hondeklip Bay and Koingnaas. Law enforcement teams carried out searches and inspections at harbours, launching sites, mining areas, camping sites, fish shops and restaurants.

Checks, searches and inspections

Police reported that 100 vehicles and 166 individuals were searched, and that multiple vessels were inspected. Vehicle checkpoints were also conducted to increase police visibility and compliance in the targeted areas.

Seizures and arrests

The Northern Cape SAPS listed a series of recoveries and enforcement actions from the operation:

• Illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R390,000 were seized during a roadblock.
• Drugs with an estimated street value of R98,500 were seized, and three suspects were arrested for drug-related offences.
• Fish valued at approximately R1,500 was seized for contraventions of the Marine Living Resources Act.
• Fines of R4,400 were issued for National Road Traffic Act contraventions.
• Fines totalling R4,700 were issued for contraventions of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act 18 of 1998).
• Two individuals were arrested for contraventions of the Immigration Act, and for contravening the Refugees Act.
• Police also confiscated a significant amount of cash believed to be proceeds of crime.

Partners and policing message

The operation included specialised SAPS units and partner departments such as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, and Customs.

“The SAPS Northern Cape will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and government partners to address criminality, ensure compliance with the law and protect our communities and coastal resources. Those who engage in criminal activities will be identified and dealt with within the ambit of the law,” said Otola.

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended SAPS members and participating departments for their collaborative efforts in the operation.