Bail for Phoenix woman arrested in cocaine bust
Community outrage
Narelle Maikoo
Image: Supplied
A PHOENIX woman found with R400 000 worth of cocaine and heroin has been granted R5 000 bail, sparking community concerns about lenient treatment for serious drug offences.
Her co-accused, caught operating a cocaine laboratory with nearly R4 million in drugs, awaits his bail hearing.
Narelle Maikoo, 34, and Brene Braydon Chetty, 22, both from Greenbury, were arrested by the Hawks and various police units after they were linked to the Southside Gang.
Maikoo, who was charged with dealing in cocaine and heroin after police found a brick of cocaine worth R350 000 in her bedroom and heroin powder in her kitchen, was granted bail of R5 000, in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court last week.
Chetty, who attempted to flee from police by jumping off the balcony of his home, was nabbed with close to R4 million worth of drugs.
He will reappear in court this week for his bail application.
He was found operating a clandestine cocaine laboratory and police caught him with R3 683 000 worth of drugs, which included crack cocaine, uncut discs of crack cocaine, sachets of cocaine, ecstasy tablets, painkillers and ammunition.
Mark Nadesdan, spokesperson for the Phoenix Community Policing Forum, said they welcomed the arrests, but was disappointed that suspected drug dealers who are nabbed with large quantities of drugs were being released on bail.
“Community members give vital information to roleplayers and expect results from their actions. They have been crying for help to rid the community of drugs and asking police to clamp down on drug dealers, while assisting with information.
“We commend the police for their action and investigations into the information they received from the community. However, one of the perpetrators has been released on bail. We need stricter laws surrounding bail for those caught for serious offences. We urge the community to continue to work with police to rid the community of drugs,” he said.