WALVIS BAY – The police in Erongo have confiscated illicit drugs and stolen property worth over N$625 700 during a special operation carried out in Walvis Bay.
The two-week operation, which started on 16 January, resulted in the arrest of 37 individuals as well.
The operation was a joint effort by various police units and community members, and targeted hotspot areas in the town.
The town has in recent times become a hotspot for drug sales and a fiefdom for criminals.
Once a beacon of hope, with thriving fishing and logistics’ industries, Walvis Bay is becoming a shadow of its once-celebrated self.
Erongo police commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona, during a press conference held on Friday, said the operation focused on addressing the surge in crime in Walvis Bay and its surrounding areas.
“The primary goal of the operation was to reduce crime rates in Walvis Bay and nearby areas by targeting regions with high criminal activity,” he said.
“We concentrated on crimes such as drug dealing, the sale of alcohol without a liquor licence, the possession of stolen property, and violations of the Traffic [and Transport] Act,” he said.
The operation had a clear objective – to arrest key suspects with outstanding warrants, conduct searches of suspected drug houses, inspect pawn shops and second-hand goods stores for stolen items, and ultimately improve public safety, while strengthening the community’s trust in the police.
“Over the course of 12 days, police conducted stop-and-search operations, vehicle and foot patrols, and mobile roadblocks in high-risk areas. A total of 157 people and 30 vehicles were stopped and searched.
Among the confiscated items were dangerous weapons, illicit drugs and suspected stolen goods. The operation yielded several dangerous items, including knives, screwdrivers and even golf clubs,” said Kupembona.
Apart from that, the police arrested 28 individuals for the possession of cannabis, valued at N$200 325, while 15 suspects were arrested for being in possession of Mandrax with a street value of N$148 470.
“A further 13 suspects were arrested for dealing in crack cocaine, valued at N$28 800, and three suspects were apprehended for crystal meth possession, valued at N$18 000.
Additionally, the three individuals were found in possession of N$29 700 in cash, and they were charged with money-laundering,” he said.
The police also seized illicit cigarettes and whisky, valued at N$63 105; 35 cellphones; two laptops; an iPad; an Xbox; two pocket Wi-Fi devices; and a hard drive, all valued at N$120 000.
“The success of the operation is evident not only in the number of illicit substances and stolen goods confiscated, but also in the disruption of local crime syndicates. We are committed to making Walvis Bay and surrounding areas safer for our communities,” he said.
The Erongo police is now appealing to residents to come and identify their stolen property with proof at the police.
-edeklerk@nepc.com