Phoenix man arrested for alleged drug possession and firearm offences released on bail

VERNON Reuben, of Caneside in Phoenix, who was allegedly found in possession of drugs, vodka sachets and a modified firearm with ammunition during a police raid on Wednesday, has been released on R3 000 bail.

Reuben, 50, appeared in the Verulam Magistrate's Court earlier today.

He was arrested by Hawks members from the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Crime Intelligence, Durban Metro Police, the Infrastructure Task Team and Durban Public Order Police after they received information about alleged drug dealing activity at a sports bar Reuben operates from his home in Canehaven Drive.  

Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, said a disruptive operation was planned and observations were conducted.

“Allegations were confirmed and members swooped on the suspect’s residence and a search was conducted. During the search, police found pieces of crack cocaine, mandrax tablets, and vodka sachets to the street value of approximately R20 260.00. Police also found a modified firearm and five live rounds of ammunition. The suspect was placed under arrest and charged accordingly,” said Mhlongo.

Mark Nadesan, spokesperson for the Phoenix Community Policing Forum (CPF), said the community has had enough of children’s lives being destroyed by drugs and alcohol.

“There is an outcry from the community. They are now blowing the whistle on drug institutes, drug dens and people selling illegal alcohol and drugs to our children. The community has been up in arms for a number of months and the CPF had taken information from the community back to police about what is going on in certain drug hotspots," said Nadesan.

He said the police began executing drug busts and raids according to the information the community provided.

“We commend the arrests and applaud police for hearing the community's cries and executing operations to clamp down on the sale of drugs and alcohol to children,” he added.

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