The City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies recovered drugs worth an estimated R2,7 million in the past week, as authorities intensified operations across several crime hotspots in the city.

This comes after the City’s enforcement agencies made 383 arrests and recorded 70,624 offences during the period under review. Among the arrests were 71 motorists detained for driving under the influence of alcohol, while the Metro Police Anti-Hijacking Unit also recovered at least eight hijacked vehicles.

In one case in Bellville, the K9 Virus assisted officers in uncovering drugs worth R2,7 million in the parking lot at Parksig Villas earlier this week.

READ MORE: K9 unit helps metro police uncover R2,7 million drug stash in Bellville

In a separate incident on Saturday, Metro Police officers arrested a 28-year-old suspect in Heideveld for possession of drugs with an estimated street value of nearly R6 500.

Meanwhile, seven suspects were arrested in connection with a case involving extortion, kidnapping and possession of suspected stolen property in Khayelitsha and Dunoon. Two prohibited firearms were also recovered during the operation.

The City’s Safety and Security chief, JP Smith, said while officers continue to make hundreds of arrests weekly, stronger investigative support is needed to ensure successful prosecutions.

He added that the City’s offer to help bolster the South African Police Service’s investigative capabilities remains on the table to ensure “real consequences” for criminals.

” – since those with criminal intent are unlikely to change their ways, it requires more from the criminal justice system. Our offer to bolster SAPS’s investigative capabilities still stands,” said Smith

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