The KwaZulu-Natal Local Division of the High Court of South Africa in Durban has granted a forfeiture order for two money counting machines, one industrial shoe-making machine and R87 946.50 in cash seized during a drug dealing operation in Phoenix in 2023.
According to the Hawks, the seizure followed a joint operation by Hawks members from the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau and the Durban Metro Drug Task Team, who executed a search warrant at a premises on Gillham Avenue, Phoenix.
“The operation was conducted after intelligence confirmed ongoing drug activity at the premises. Upon arrival, the team observed multiple individuals waiting to purchase heroin capsules.
“During the search, they recovered heroin, the aforementioned machines and R87 946.50 in cash suspected to be proceeds of crime. The total estimated street value of the seized items was R352 396.50. Two suspects were then arrested and charged with dealing in drugs," the Hawks said in a statement on Wednesday.
The matter was then referred to Hawks members from the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team (PCSI), which collaborated with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to secure the forfeiture order for the seized items.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan, commended the team for their excellent work in securing the forfeiture order. – SAnews.gov.za
