R3bn drug bust in KZN

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Pretoria – Police have seized over R3 billion worth of heroin in the biggest drug bust in KwaZulu-Natal. 

A joint operation between the Umhlali K9 Unit, Umhlali Task Team, Phoenix Crime Intelligence and Tactical Response Team successfully uncovered the biggest drug lab in the province on Tuesday night. 

Members from the Phoenix Crime Intelligence were following up on information of a drug lab operating in the Kloof area, at the elite suburban area of Hillcrest. After gathering enough intelligence, the members decided to conduct an operation. 

When searching the premises, they found three men inside the premises and discovered a number of 40kg bags of pure heroin powder as well as industrial manufacturing machines, a scale and containers. 

The three arrested suspects, aged 23, 55 and 56, were charged with manufacturing of drugs and were expected to appear at the Pinetown Magistrates’ Court no later than today. 

KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded the members for the excellent work of cracking this drug nest. 

"As we had promised we are reaching the kingpins behind the drug trade in KwaZulu-Natal. We will continue to expose those that live in the lap of luxury and profit from the misery of ordinary citizens on the ground. 

“Our detectives will intensify their investigations until everyone behind this network is behind bars,” she said. - SAnews.gov.za