51 drug dens in Phoenix: DA
A LIST of 51 suspected drug dens allegedly operating from ordinary homes in Phoenix has been handed to police following a march by the DA last Friday.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane led the Youth Day march to the Phoenix police station, saying stronger action needed to be taken by the government and the police service to tackle drug abuse and crime among young people.
“Nothing destroys the life of a child like the effects of drug addiction. Nothing steals their youth faster than growing up in a culture of drug abuse, violence and gangsterism,” Maimane said.
“Here in Phoenix you know all about the dangers of drugs and gangs. You see and you feel these dangers every day. Some of you have already lost children to these dangers. Many more of you are watching helplessly as your boys and girls are targeted by these predators who bring these things into your community.”
Maimane said the DA had been calling for the re-establishment of a national specialised anti-drug unit ever since it was disbanded in 2003.
“During this time drug busts have steadily declined while drug-related crimes have rocketed.”
Local DA councillor Bradley Singh told POST: “Daily we get calls and visits from residents complaining about the drug scourge. Some residents have given us information on who the dealers are and where they trade from. Altogether we compiled a list of 51 drug dens.”
Singh said the list, which included the names and addresses of the suspected dealers, was included in a memorandum handed to the police.
“We have given the Phoenix SAPS to the end of the month until we go back for feedback on the investigations.”
Singh said drugs were destroying the community and families.
“There are children that are going to bed hungry because their parents use whatever money they have to buy drugs. I have seen youngsters who could have made a valuable contribution to society, walking around aimlessly trying to get their next fix.”
Singh said even working men and women had fallen into debt and lost their jobs because of addiction.
“In most cases SAPS catch the runners but what we need is the actual drug dealers to be caught and convicted. This is the only we can stop drugs.”
Hours after the march, a police raid at a suspected drug dealer’s home led to the seizure of whoonga with a street value of about R18 000.
On an anonymous tip-off, the Phoenix police drug team stormed the Shastri Park home of Ashok Rambarosa, 50, where 500 capsules of heroin were allegedly found.
He was arrested for possession of drugs and an unlicensed firearm. He appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was remanded.
Singh said he welcomed the arrest. “This shows effective policing. If we conducted more raids… this could somehow bring an end to the trade.”
Said Phoenix CPF chairman Umesh Singh: “Drugs is destroying our community. Raids are being conducted on an ongoing basis and we are trying everything in our power to apprehend the culprits.”