Police intensify war on drugs with recent raids
Col Robert Netshiunda, provincial police spokesperson, said a follow-up search at a residence in Caters Street revealed even more illicit drugs, as well as an unlicensed firearm and 47 rounds of ammunition.
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have made significant inroads in the fight against the drug trade, this week, recovering illegal narcotics worth more than R10 million in separate operations across the city and arresting two suspects linked to large-scale drug manufacturing and distribution.
On Wednesday, June 25, an intelligence-driven operation led by officers from the Provincial Drugs and Firearms Unit resulted in the arrest of a 37-year-old foreign national in Quarry Heights. Acting on a tip-off, officers apprehended the suspect and discovered a stash of heroin, crystal meth, and cocaine.
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Col Robert Netshiunda, provincial police spokesperson, said a follow-up search at a residence in Caters Street revealed even more illicit drugs, as well as an unlicensed firearm and 47 rounds of ammunition.
In a separate operation on Thursday, June 26, a cannabis cultivation laboratory was dismantled near Morningside, following a joint operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Durban Metro Police Drug Team, K9 Unit, Durban Flying Squad, and the eThekwini Infrastructure Task Team.
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Authorities seized indoor cannabis plants, ecstasy tablets, crack cocaine, as well as various chemicals and cultivation equipment valued at approximately R350, 000. A 43-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with drug dealing and cannabis-related offences.
Lt Col Simphiwe Mhlongo, Hawks spokesperson, revealed that the KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation provincial head, Maj Gen (Dr) Lesetja Senona, welcomed the arrest and applauded the police officers involved in the operation for their work.
