Three major drug busts in KwaZulu-Natal yield over R1.6 million in illegal narcotics
KwaZulu-Natal police have struck hard against drug crime, arresting multiple suspects and seizing over R1.6 million worth of narcotics.
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KwaZulu-Natal police and municipal crime prevention units have recorded a series of drug-related arrests in Durban, Verulam, and Umzinto over the past week, resulting in the seizure of cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth valued at more than R1.6 million.
In Durban, Metro Police Tactical Support Unit members arrested a 59-year-old Nigerian national during routine crime prevention operations at Blue Lagoon. According to the Durban Metro Police Service, officers “observed a Nigerian national behaving suspiciously” during patrols.
“A search led to the arrest of a 59-year-old Nigerian male for possession of approximately 100 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of R40 000,” the statement said.
The suspect was handed over to Durban Central SAPS for further investigation. Metro Police said the arrest formed part of its ongoing crackdown on drug-related crime, reiterating its stance of “zero tolerance to drugs and crime”.
In a separate operation in the Verulam CBD, crime prevention officers arrested a man after receiving information about drug dealing near the Verulam railway station. The incident occurred on December 16.
Police said members “received information of an Indian male who was dealing in drugs near the Verulam railway station along the bushes”. Officers conducted surveillance and “noticed the Indian male conducting multiple transactions”.
A search led to the recovery of 96 heroin capsules with an estimated street value of R3 000. The suspect was arrested and taken to Verulam SAPS, where the drugs were booked in as exhibits. Verulam crime prevention units said joint operations would continue “to tackle drug dealers and all their associates in the area”.
The largest seizure was recorded in Umzinto, south of Durban, where KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Organised Crime Narcotics officers dismantled what police described as a drug syndicate.
In a media statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, SAPS confirmed that “two foreign nationals and a local woman” were arrested on December 12.
Police said officers gathered intelligence about suspects “who were suspected of destroying the youth of Umzinto and the surrounding areas by feeding them drugs”. Search warrants were obtained before the operation was executed.
During the operation, officers recovered crystal meth, cocaine, crack cocaine, nearly 5 000 heroin capsules, and almost 800 grams of heroin powder. The estimated value of the drugs seized is R1.6 million.