The Crime Prevention teams of the Durban Metro Police seized R600 000 worth of cocaine in Umbilo yesterday (March 16), resulting in the arrest of a 27-year-old foreign national.

The spokesperson for the Durban Metro, Colonel Boyzie Zungu, shared, “The Durban Metro Police Service continues to work with other law enforcement agencies to combat criminal activity within the city. Earlier today (Monday), members of the Metro Police Tactical Support Unit and the Metro Police Task Team, working together with SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Counter Narcotics, arrested a 27-year-old foreign national during an operation in Umbilo.

Also read: Umbilo SAPS officers accused of taking bribes from drug dealers

“The members were executing a search warrant when they intercepted the suspect as he exited his vehicle. During the search, officers discovered pure cocaine concealed inside a sock. A further search of the suspect’s flat led to the discovery of additional drugs, bringing the estimated street value of the cocaine to nearly R600 000.”

It is reported that preliminary investigations indicate that the same suspect was previously arrested in 2025 for possession of cocaine valued at approximately R400 000.

“This arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into a drug trafficking syndicate, believed to have links to an international network involved in the trafficking, manufacturing, storage, and distribution of narcotics,” Zungu said.

The suspect is expected to appear in court “soon on charges related to possession and dealing in narcotics”.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here