AN UMHLATUZANA resident was arrested for allegedly running a drug lab and supplying drugs to Chatsworth and surrounding areas.
Image: Yoshini Perumal
AN UMHLATUZANA resident was arrested for allegedly running a drug lab and supplying drugs to Chatsworth and surrounding areas.
The Hawks conducted a two-year investigation leading to the suspect's capture during the raid.
The man, who is believed to have strong drug links in the Bayview policing area, was allegedly found trying to flush some drugs down the toilet when police swooped on his house at around 6am.
Law enforcement officials inside the Umhlatuzana house
Image: YOSHINI PERUMAL
Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane, told the POST that they had been keeping surveillance on the suspect for the last two years.
“I can confirm that a 32-year-old suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. The man was found with an undisclosed amount of drugs.
“The investigation and operation into the suspect started in 2023. It ended successfully today when we managed to nab the suspect. He was found with mandrax and cocaine. We cannot confirm the value and amount at this stage,” Ncane said.
Several other suspects were taken in for questioning.
A police source told POST that when they got into the premises this morning, the suspect, who is the home owner, tried to destroy evidence.
“He tried to destroy evidence by flushing the drugs down the toilet. We subsequently arrested him and seized various items used to manufacture drugs. A large quantity of drugs was also found,” the source said.
The raid was conducted by the Hawks, together with SAPS, and the Metro Police Drug Team. Drugs, guns and packaging materials for the manufacturing of drugs were seized.
The suspect was taken to the Bayview police station and he is expected to appear in court this week.
Drugs and cash seized during the raid
Image: YOSHINI PERUMAL
The drug lab inside the house
Image: YOSHINI PERUMAL
Suspected cocaine
Image: YOSHINI PERUMAL
Guns and ammunition was also seized
Image: YOSHINI PERUMAL