A suspected drug dealer who was caught on his way to make a drop of prescription medication at an Athlone school will appear in court on Friday morning.
According to a source, on Wednesday afternoon the 22-year-old man was nabbed by Metro Police in Rondebosch East with eight Ritalin tablets, commonly used to treat children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
It is alleged the bespectacled suspect takes orders via WhatsApp and makes deliveries on his skateboard.
“The cops and the neighbourhood watches were looking for him for a long time,” says the source.
“People had reported this guy who goes around on his skateboard selling these prescription drugs to the children for R50 a tablet.
TABLETS: The Ritalin pills. Photo: SUPPLIED
“When you see him skating around the area, he doesn’t look like he is merting.
“He is well dressed and doesn’t look like a skurk.
“On Wednesday morning, they spotted him and the Metro cops, security companies and neighbourhood watch patrollers went after him.”
Metro Police spokesperson, Sergeant Ruth Solomons, says the Property Crimes Unit intercepted the 22-year-old in Athlone after receiving a tip-off.
“He was in possession of eight Ritalin tablets and couldn’t provide a medical script for the drugs.
“It’s believed the suspect was heading to a school in the Southern Suburbs to deliver the drugs to a client.
“Officers found further orders via texts on his cellphone. The Metro Police Department urges parents to be vigilant, as it appears that the drug is gaining popularity among learners.”
The source says when questioned, the alleged dealer explained laaities use the tablets to calm their nerves when writing exams.
“He was very rustig and showed the cops the WhatsApp orders that he had on his phone and they took the Samsung S3 in as evidence.
“He said it was his own medication that he sold to the laaities whenever he needs money.”
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, says the man was arrested on the charges of possession of prohibited substances.
“The suspect will appear at the Athlone Magistrates’ Court [today].”