Residents urged to report drug dealers
‘For too long these criminals have crippled our communities’
THE LATESTphase of the City of Cape Town’s drug campaign, part of its R37.8 million investment in combating substance abuse, encourages residents to report drug dealers in their communities. “All that stands between a drug dealer operating on the streets or going to jail is the information that residents can supply. We need people to come forward and give us that information so that we can take the necessary action to incarcerate these criminals,” said mayor Patricia de Lille at the launch of the third phase of the city’s drug abuse campaign.
The first phase, initiated two years ago, focused on potential drug users with the “Don’t Start, Be Smart” message.
Last year, local celebrities, residents and De Lille appeared on billboards across the city with the slogan, “I have a drug problem”.
The message was that substance abuse affects everyone in the community.
The campaign, which saw an 883 percent increase in calls to the city’s 24-hour helpline, was a “rousing success”, said De Lille. More than 4.8 million people were reached through traditional media channels while a further 2 million were informed through social media.
“As part of this year’s campaign, we would like to urge residents to report drug dealers in order to address the supply problem. For too long these criminals have crippled our communities and ruined the lives of our children. Community members can put a stop to this.”
Again, celebrities have thrown their weight behind the city’s campaign, and Siv Ngesi, Jimmy Nevis and Aidan Bennettswill feature prominently on advertisements. The campaign will also share the stories of ordinary people to show the discriminatory impact of drug abuse.
De Lille said most of the R37.8m in funding would be used by the metro police, working with the SAPS, to curb the supply and distribution of drugs.
Since July, metro police officers have confiscated 70 069 units of narcotics with a street value of R3.23m, conducted 4 799 searches and made 5 404 drug-related arrests.
Three drug labs have been closed down in that time.
“Substance abuse is often linked to criminal acts such as theft, robbery and housebreaking.
“Drugs are the core of the gang economy,” said De Lille.
The city says anyone with information about the sale of drugs should call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 43 57 48. Free outpatient treatment for substance abuse is also available at the city’s five drug and alcohol treatment sites.