More than 140 people were arrested on drug-related offences across South Africa over the just-ended festive season, the police announced on Tuesday.In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said a week-long operation themed “More Boots on the Ground Towards Enhanced Police Visibility” netted 131 criminals for drug possession and 10 others for selling drugs. 

“The forces confiscated 2,570 mandrax tablets, 204 grams of tik, 100 grams of cocaine and 1.2 kilogramme of dagga,” SAPS said. 

More than 2,000 dagga (marijuana) trees were also confiscated in crime-infested areas, it said.

Drugs with an estimated street value of US$13,880 were confiscated in the Western Cape province alone.

The police also said they confiscated liquor as part of the operation that also included a crackdown on illegal alcohol outlets.

The 141 individuals arrested for drug-related offences were among 683 nabbed across the country during the festive season operation.