Attaqua K9 Unit Leads Major Drug Bust in Oudtshoorn

In a significant operation led by the Attaqua K9 Unit, police in Oudtshoorn have dealt a substantial blow to local drug trade. With the help of the well-trained police dog Brooke, they conducted a series of raids that resulted in the seizure of narcotics with an estimated street value of R260,000. The actions that unfolded on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, highlighted the determination and effectiveness of the police force in countering the drug menace in the region.

The operation began when K9 members teamed up with Crime Intelligence for a planned search at a residence in 22nd Avenue, Bongolethu, Oudtshoorn. With a search warrant in hand, the officers uncovered a hidden cache of drugs and ammunition, led by their canine partner's sharp senses. Inside a cupboard drawer, they retrieved a 37mm gas round and 100 grams of tik, a local colloquial term for crystal methamphetamine. A 21-year-old suspect was arrested on the spot, facing charges of drug dealing and unlawful ammunition possession.

Later the same day, in a testament to their relentless pursuit, the Attaqua K9 Unit shifted their focus to another house in the vicinity, acting on a critical tip-off received from a vigilant member of the public. Once again, their trusted canine guided them to a stash of drugs. This time, the bounty was even larger – 800 grams of tik, a horde of mandrax tablets, and various rounds of ammunition were discovered bagged and hidden in a bedroom. Two suspects, aged 21 and 38, were taken into custody, further hampering the local drug distribution network.

Both incidents on July 30 followed previous successful operations by the Garden Route Crime Combating Team in George, which saw multiple individuals arrested for drug-related activities in the days preceding. These efforts demonstrate the shared commitment of various police teams to dismantle drug outlets that plague the communities of the Garden Route District.

The Attaqua K9 Unit’s focused attacks on drug outlets are integral to their broader mission of community safety. These arrests and confiscations underscore the importance of collaboration between the police and the community. Police encourage the public to continue providing information that can lead to the interception of drug trafficking and promote safer neighborhoods.

The suspects apprehended in the recent raids will face the legal consequences of their actions as they are brought before the courts. The Western Cape police have sent out a clear message: Oudtshoorn will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers or perpetrators of related crimes.