In a relentless pursuit of suspected drug dealers, KwaZulu-Natal police have made significant strides in their on-going crackdown this week.
Within a span of less than 24 hours, law enforcement authorities apprehended four foreign nationals on charges related to drug dealing.
In the latest incident, police executed an intelligence-driven operation, with officers from the Provincial Drugs and Firearms Unit descending upon a location on Gillespie Street, situated in the Durban Point area.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, reported that a foreign national was taken into custody after being discovered in possession of methcathinone and crystal methamphetamine, boasting an estimated street value exceeding R100 000.
“Further intelligence led police officers to a block of flats in Point where cocaine powder and more methcathinone, also estimated to have a street value of over R100 000, were found abandoned,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
Investigations to ascertain the potential owner of the substances is under way.
In a separate incident, three additional foreign nationals were arrested on Tuesday in KwaDukuza for their involvement in drug possession and dealing activities.
These arrests were a result of “Operation Umiyane”, which was initiated after gathering intelligence about an individual believed to be peddling narcotics within the KwaDukuza policing precinct.
Colonel Netshiunda elaborated on the operation: “The information was mobilised, leading to the cornering and subsequent arrest of a 25-year-old foreign national at his residence in Newtown. He was found in possession of an assortment of drugs, including crack cocaine, mandrax, kat wrappings, and pure cocaine, with an estimated street value just surpassing R100 000.”
He said two more foreign nationals, aged 23 and 36, were detained in Glenhills Drive, KwaDukuza, and Russel Street in Newtown, respectively, on suspicion of drug dealing.
“Searches conducted at their residences yielded the recovery of rock cocaine, estimated to be valued in the several thousands of rands,” said Col Netshiunda.
“The police are leaving no stone unturned in their mission to dismantle drug networks and ensure the safety of the community. With these recent arrests, law enforcement is hoping to send a stern warning to those involved in the illicit drug trade that they will be pursued and brought to justice,” said Col Netshiunda.
