Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Sales Nets Hundreds of Litres and Multiple Arrests in Garden Route

In a sweeping raid as part of the Safer Festive Season operations, Garden Route District police have successfully seized a significant amount of illicit liquor, while clamping down on unlicensed liquor outlets across the region. With the aim of enhancing security during the festive period, these high-density operations have targeted several hotspots notorious for illegal activities.

On the eve of Christmas, the George Crime Prevention Unit, armed with substantial intelligence and search warrants, descended on a property in Wilderness Heights where they confiscated 162 litres of various brands of liquor. A 58-year-old man was apprehended at the scene, facing charges for operating a liquor outlet without the necessary licensing.

The same day, in a coordinated operation, Knysna police targeted Smutsville, Sedgefield, seizing an additional 105 litres of liquor and arresting a 43-year-old man under similar charges. The operations extended to the following day, Christmas, under the supervision of Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection. These operations not only targeted liquor law violations but also rounded up 150 suspects linked to various crimes ranging from drug-related offenses to possession of dangerous weapons.

Highlighting the intensity of these operations, police forces also raided Mandela Village in Thembalethu and Kwanonqaba, where they seized 181 litres and 315 litres of liquor respectively. Two men, aged 30 and 42, were taken into custody for selling liquor without a license.

Every individual arrested during these raids has been scheduled for court appearances subsequent to charging procedures. The overarching strategy of these operations stems from a recognition of substance abuse as a key contributor to serious and violent crimes, particularly over the holiday season. A steadfast approach combined with additional deployments aims to fortify community safety and ensure a secure environment for both residents and visitors in the Garden Route District.

The success of these operations is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the district police in upholding law and enforcing regulations crucial to curbing illegal activities that compromise public safety.