Law enforcement agencies had swooped on the couple’s plush home where drugs including cocaine and mandrax, chemicals, packaging materials, manufacturing equipment, cash, cellphones, guns and ammunition valued at R1 million, was found.
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AN UMLATUZANA mother of two joined her husband in the dock last week for alleged drug dealing.
Natalie Perumal, 32, was arrested by the Hawks on Wednesday morning.
She made her first appearance alongside her husband Gerald Perumal, 33, in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday afternoon.
Gerald was arrested during a sting operation by the Hawks and Metro Police at his home in 28th Avenue two weeks ago.
He was allegedly nabbed while he was trying to flush drugs down the toilet.
He appeared in court last Thursday, and he was remanded into custody at Westville Prison until his formal bail application.
Gerald Perumal, a father of two, will return to the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court next week for a formal bail application.
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Police also found a large amount of bottles of Stilpane at the house which the couple share with their two children.
Gerald was also charged for contravening the Medicines Control Act 101/1965.
Law enforcement agencies had swooped on the couple’s plush home where drugs including cocaine and mandrax, chemicals, packaging materials, manufacturing equipment, cash, cellphones, guns and ammunition valued at R1 million, was found.
A drug manufacturing lab was also found in the house.
“The Hawks can confirm that Natalie Perumal was arrested by the Hawks and charged with dealing in drugs. Police investigations are continuing and outcomes will determine whether additional arrests are necessary,” said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane.
Lighting allegedly belonging to the eThekwini Municipality was also seized from the couple's house during the raid.
Ncane told POST their investigations into Perumal started in 2023.
Perumal is suspected to be linked to drug cartels in Bayview, and is allegedly involved in supplying drugs to Chatsworth and surrounding areas.
The couple is expected to reappear in court this week for their formal bail application.
Their attorney, Noven Naidoo, told the POST his clients intended pleading not guilty.
A community leader, who did not want to be named, said the couple’s young children, aged 13 and two, were in the custody of family members.
He alleged police corruption was rife and had contributed to the ongoing drug scourge in Bayview.
He said they had questioned why so many people had been taken in for questioning from the Perumal’s residence, but only the couple had been arrested.
“Community leaders have had discussions and concerns were raised that certain drug dealers are never caught or investigated by police.
“Information is fed to police by rival drug dealers and this leads to some arrests. It is no secret that some law enforcement officers are on the payroll of certain drug dealers and are targeting their rivals.
“We urge police top brass to investigate the kingpins to rid our communities of drugs,” the community leader said.
The Bayview Community Policing Forum (CPF) said in a statement that they called on residents to remain vigilant and to continue partnering with law enforcement to rid the community of drugs.
“Community cooperation is one of the most powerful tools in combating drug-related crime. When communities stand together and report suspicious activities, we strengthen the collective fight against those who seek to harm our neighbourhood.
“We are particularly concerned about the minor children and the effects this has on them, as the couple involved in this incident had young children living in the home.
“We welcome the arrests. This operation represents a significant step in the ongoing fight against the scourge of drugs that continues to threaten the safety, stability, and future of our communities.
“Drug peddling destroys families, fuels violent crime, exploits vulnerable individuals, and robs our youth of their potential. The removal of these illegal substances and the arrest of those responsible sends a powerful message that criminal networks will not be allowed to operate freely within our communities.
“We applaud the dedication, courage, and professionalism of the SAPS, Hawks, Metro Police, and all agencies involved in this operation. Their work demonstrates the importance of decisive action and intelligence-driven policing in protecting our residents,” the CPF said in a statement.