Substance abuse is often associated with both violent and income-generating crimes by youths, which include trafficking, homicides, prostitution and gang activity.
These crimes are among the problems plaguing the social and criminal justice systems.
According to Lieut Juanita Coetzer, communications officer for the Boksburg North SAPS, the police teamed up with the Social Development Department as they walked the streets from door-to-door, creating awareness and also handing out pamphlets.
“Residents in the community were asked to complete a questionnaire on their views of crime in the area.
“This was a much-needed initiative in our community, because we were able to make people aware of the problem of drug abuse in Boksburg North, while also illustrating that together we can stand up against the drug dealers in our precinct,” says Coetzer.
