KwaZulu-Natal provincial organised crime narcotics officers have arrested three people in Umzinto in connection with an alleged large drug syndicate.
The suspects include two foreign nationals and a South African woman. Police carried out the arrests on Friday after several months of intelligence-driven investigations.
Officers identified a West African national as the main suspect. Police believed he allegedly ran the operation with his South African girlfriend and an accomplice from a Central African country.
Investigators said the syndicate allegedly supplied drugs to young people in Umzinto and surrounding areas.
Police seize crystal meth in R1.6 m KZN drug operation
Police obtained search warrants before moving in on the suspects. Just before dawn on Friday, officers stopped the main suspect while he was driving.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a search of the vehicle revealed crystal meth hidden under the driver’s seat.
Officers also seized an undisclosed amount of cash, believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
More drugs recovered at suspect’s home
Police then searched the suspect’s home in Malangeni, where they found more drugs hidden under a bed.
That discovery led officers to the home of the suspect’s girlfriend. Police arrested her after finding cocaine, crack cocaine and additional crystal meth.
The investigation continued to the home of the third suspect on Nelson Mandela Road.
There, officers discovered nearly 5,000 heroin capsules and about 800 g of heroin powder.
Police estimate the total street value of the drugs seized at about R1.6 million.
Suspects to appear in court
Police have charged all three suspects with drug-related offences. They are expected to appear in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court.
Police said the arrests marked a significant step in efforts to dismantle drug networks in KwaZulu-Natal.
