A DESPERATE call by a Durban mother whose son's life was being destroyed by drugs led to Ekurhuleni metro police arresting two alleged drug dealers in Edenvale over the weekend.

The police also arrested a third suspect who offered a R5000 bribe in an attempt to save his friends.

The Nigerian-born drug peddlers were reported to have been ope-rating from a clothing shop in the area. They were found in posse-ssion of cocaine with an estimated street value of R21000.

Ekurhuleni metro police department (EMPD) spokesman Wilfred Kgasago said the son in question had turned to stealing to pay for his drugs. They began to watch the shop carefully, he said.

"The mother, who lives in Durban, had heard about the EMPD's successes against drug dealers, hence the call.

"She furnished the metro police with information about the suspected suppliers of drugs," Kgasago said.

The pair were charged with possession and dealing in illicit substances. The third suspect will face a bribery charge. They are expected appear in the Edenvale magistrate's court today.

l A man contracted by the city council to clean the Edenvale taxi rank was arrested for dealing in dagga at the taxi rank. He was selling the dagga at R15 a packet.

A docket of possession and dealing in dagga was registered at Edenvale police station and the man is expected to appear in the Edenvale magistrate's court today.

l Meanwhile, the EMPD has urged pedestrians and cyclists to stop using the freeways.

"A very disturbing trend is emerging where increasing numbers of pedestrians, including pupils, are walking in the emergency lanes with their backs to the oncoming cars.

"They are also putting their lives in enormous danger by crossing a three- or four-lane carriageway on the freeways," Kgasago said .

Since August, EMPD freeway units have arrested dozens of pedestrians on the N3 at the Van Buuren turnoff, on the R21 between the Atlas and Voortrekker roads exits, at the R21 Engen-1-Stop as well as on the N3 between Leondale and the Barry Marais Road turnoff.