Police in Durban have arrested a man following a major drug bust in Umbilo, seizing pure cocaine with an estimated street value of nearly R600,000. Authorities believe the suspect is linked to a wider international drug trafficking network.
The arrest took place on Monday, when officers from the eThekwini Metro Police, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS, intercepted the suspect as he exited his vehicle. Cocaine was found hidden inside a sock, and additional narcotics were discovered during a search of the suspect’s apartment.
Teams from the Metro Police Tactical Support Unit, Metro Police Task Team, and the KZN Counter Narcotics Unit participated in the operation. The suspect is expected to appear in court on charges of possession and dealing in narcotics.
Preliminary investigations indicate the same individual was previously arrested last year in possession of cocaine valued at approximately R400,000. Authorities say Monday’s operation is part of an ongoing investigation into a syndicate involved in manufacturing, storing, and distributing drugs, with suspected international links.
This bust follows other recent high-profile seizures in Durban. Last month, two men were arrested in the Durban Point precinct after being monitored by the Provincial Drugs and Firearms Unit. Police recovered drugs with a street value of around R330,000, including cocaine, heroin, mandrax tablets, and capsules. Both suspects were charged with dealing in drugs.
In a separate operation in Durban North, a man was arrested after raids on two homes in Glenwood Park and Glenashley. Officers seized crack cocaine, pure cocaine, cash, and drug-manufacturing equipment, with an estimated street value of R1 million. Metro Police spokesperson Boysie Zungu confirmed the suspect had also been arrested last year after similar seizures.
Authorities emphasised that these operations form part of a sustained crackdown on drug trafficking in the Durban area, targeting networks with both local and international connections.