Vendor allegedly sold cannabis to pupils from biscuit buckets in Verulam - IOL

An officer from Reaction Unit South Africa had apprehended the man and handed him over to police.

A man in his 40s was allegedly caught red-handed selling cannabis hidden in biscuit buckets to school pupils, in the Verulam CBD on Monday.

Prem Balram, head of Reaction Unit South Africa, said officers arrested the street vendor allegedly with the drugs and about R3,500 in cash after a pupil admitted purchasing cannabis from the man.

“The suspect operated on Wick Street in the Verulam CBD under the pretext of selling biscuits and sweets.

“He was found packaging the cannabis in full view of the public. During questioning, the man admitted that he had sold the substances to pupils and adults.

“He was handed over to police with the recovered items and cash,” Balram said.

Rachel Wilkin, spokesperson for the Verulam Community Police Forum (CPF), said they were concerned about the incident, which she said highlighted the fact that drug dealers were masquerading as street vendors, exploiting the law and the space where pupils were vulnerable.

“It is a societal problem and not just a police problem. This incident reinforces why the CPF has been calling for and participating in multi-agency visibility and enforcement operations aimed at addressing drug dealing and other criminal activity in and around the CBD, including activity linked to street trading.

“While an arrest is important, we must recognise that the problem does not end when one alleged dealer is removed from the street. One of our greatest concerns is the replacement cycle, when one person is arrested, another can quickly move into the same space and target the same vulnerable market.”

She said children are particularly vulnerable targets because the illicit drug market can exploit curiosity, peer pressure, vulnerability and the desire to belong. 

“Some young people may also turn to substances as a way of coping with psychosocial difficulties rather than seeking appropriate support. This is why the response cannot be limited to arrests alone.

“Parents and caregivers also have an important role to play. We encourage parents to know their children's friends, social circles and routines, and to remain alert to changes in behaviour, mood, school attendance, spending patterns and other possible warning signs. Early intervention can make an important difference.”

Wilkin said at the same time, the State must take responsibility for ensuring that arrests translate into successful prosecutions where the evidence supports them. 

She said law enforcement agencies need the necessary capacity and resources to properly process, test and present seized substances and other evidence before the coaurts.

“Communities need to see that drug dealing has consequences and that criminal enterprises cannot simply continue operating with impunity.

“This requires a coordinated approach involving SAPS, metro police, municipal enforcement, prosecutors, schools, parents, community structures, social services and other relevant stakeholders.

“The objective must be to break the cycle, not simply remove one dealer today and see another appear tomorrow,” Wilkin added.

Roshan Lil‑Ruthan, chairperson of the Verulam Business Forum, said the forum had alerted parents, teachers and the police that the proliferation of drugs were destroying our children.

"This incident is deeply troubling, yet sadly not surprising. For months, businesses and religious organisations in our CBD have raised repeated concerns about drug peddling targeting our children. The forum has escalated these matters through formal channels, but unfortunately, we were unable to secure the necessary assistance. 

"We will urgently engage with the Verulam police and the provincial SAPS office regarding this matter. Of particular concern are the suspect’s alarming allegations of corruption tax payments, which demand immediate investigation. The forum will insist on accountability, transparency, and decisive action to restore trust in law enforcement and protect the community," he added.