Drug conviction rate concerning: forum

The comment comes after three men were released on R10 000 bail each on Monday after being nabbed for allegedly being in possession of mandrax and heroin. 

The suspects were arrested last week during an intelligence driven operation. Police say the suspects were found to be in possession of drugs with an estimated street value of R75 000. 

The forum's Sam Pillay says there should be greater repercussions for these crimes. 

"We have a major issue with the conviction rate and we've been talking about the forum for over many, many years. We need specialised courts, magistrates and prosecutors to deal with this problem. 

"Perhaps, some laws need to be amended to make sure that conviction happens because there are some areas that are too [lenient] in terms of convictions," he said. 

(File photo)