The Growing Drug Problem in South Africa
04 Nov 2024
Drug-related crime continues to be a significant issue in South Africa, with recent Q2 crime statistics revealing that drug offenses now contribute to 12% of total crime incidents. This category includes unlawful possession, dealing, and driving under the influence of drugs. The presence of drug-related crime not only threatens the safety of our communities but also intensifies other criminal activities, such as theft and assault, placing additional pressure on law enforcement agencies to allocate resources towards prevention, detection, and community safety efforts.
In response to this growing crisis, Excellerate Services recently launched a K9 Unit, equipped with highly trained narcotics detection dogs and certified DH5 handlers, to offer essential support. Our services extend to schools, colleges, universities, call centers, offices, factories, private homes, drug rehabilitation centers, concerts, and sporting events. Specialising in detecting a range of narcotics, our K9 team provides an effective and proactive approach to curbing drug-related issues.
“Our commitment is to support safer communities through proactive measures,” says Barry Smith, Excellerate Services Regional Director. “By integrating our K9 Unit with community initiatives and partnering with SAPS, we are taking a meaningful step in combating the growing drug problem in our society.”
Through these successful partnerships, our K9 Unit has already played a crucial role in identifying and removing illicit substances, supporting SAPS in their mission to reduce drug-related crime. Our K9 Unit is committed to helping communities address this serious issue by making workplaces, learning institutions, and public events safer for everyone.
Greg Albert, Excellerate Services K9 Unit Manager, adds, “Our unit is trained to handle real-life scenarios with precision and care. We are able to provide valuable support to all the businesses and institutions we serve, ensuring early detection and contributing to safer environments for everyone.”
Learn more about our services and how we can assist in promoting a drug-free environment.
For additional insights on the crime statistics, read the full Q2 report here.