Illicit drug cases increase by 20% between Jan-Apr compared to same period last year

The number of illicit drug cases between January to April has increased by 20 percent this year when compared to the same period last year.

384 cases have been recorded until April this year compared to 319 cases last year.

Police say the most common offence type until April this year was the unlawful possession of illicit drugs which saw an increase to 341 cases compared to 284 in the same period last year.

They say the unlawful cultivation of illicit drug cases also increased to 38 compared to 27 in the same period last year.

They say marijuana remains the most frequently encountered drug, with 361 cases reported until April this year and 310 in the same period last year.

Methamphetamine saw a significant increase in cases, rising from 5 cases in January to April last year to 22 during the same time this year.

There were 4 cocaine cases in April last year compared to 1 case until April this year.

During January to April last year, there were 5 offenders classified as juveniles, 199 offenders falling within the age range of 18 to 35 years, 111 offenders aged between 36 to 55 years, and 4 offenders who were 56 years and older.

Police say in the same period this year, the total number of drug offenders increased to 380 where the number of juvenile offenders also increased to 12, indicating a rise in drug-related offences among the younger population.

The age group of 18 to 35 years had the highest number of offenders, with 254 individuals arrested.