The City of Cape Town plans to meet with the Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety Department to find ways to address the sale of cough syrup and other medications to children.
The City’s Safety and Security chief, JP Smith, at the weekend appealed to residents to report people or businesses who distribute medication containing codeine, which he says can be used in combination with a fizzy drink to make a substance called “lean”, for intoxication.
“The Safety and Security directorate is calling on residents to report individuals and businesses who are selling cough syrup and other potentially dangerous medications to young children to get high,” said Smith.
During a recent operation involving Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic Services in Lavender Hill, Smith said law enforcement officers were tipped off that medications were sold to children as young as seven years old.
He noted that empty bottles of cough syrup were found in several public spaces.
Smith said it is also concerning, as “there have been earlier reports suggesting it had been used as a date rape drug due to its effects”.
The operation also led to the discovery of a man carrying “several bottles of cough syrup and a substantial amount of cash”, along with “drug ledgers of those who had made purchases and money owed to him”.
Despite his arrest, Smith said police reportedly declined to pursue charges, arguing that the syrup was a legal substance that can be bought anywhere.
He said that charges in this regard have been laid at other police stations.
“Police stations such as Grassy Park SAPS have proceeded with charging these alleged dealers when they were found in large quantities of the syrup as a licence is required for the bulk distribution and sale of medication.”
Smith urged residents who have more information to contact the City’s anonymous tip-off line 080 011 0077 or 107 to report anything suspicious.
“The enforcement of ‘lean’ will be discussed with the Minister for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais to address with SAPS,” said Smith.
