THE Umbilo Community Police Forum (CPF) has welcomed the arrest of a 46-year-old suspected drug dealer and the seizure of drugs and related items with an estimated street value of approximately R310 000 following a raid on his Umbilo flat.

The arrest was made on Wednesday, June 3, after members of the eThekwini District Office received information from Lamontville SAPS about a foreign national allegedly involved in dealing and distributing drugs within the Lamontville policing precinct.

eThekwini District police spokesperson Captain Carmen Rhynes said an operation was swiftly launched, with members of the SAPS Economic Infrastructure Task Team joining forces with the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit and other law enforcement partners.

“A search of the property yielded positive results, resulting in the recovery of a substantial quantity of crystal methamphetamine, cash and various items believed to be associated with the packaging and distribution of narcotics,” said Rhynes.

Also Read: R65m worth of drugs seized at Durban Harbour

Among the items seized was one small packet of cocaine, one green cup containing cocaine residue, 1147.60g of crystal methamphetamine, 100g of mixing agent, 1000 empty glass bottles, R7 936 cash, a Volkswagen Polo motor vehicle and one passport.

“The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, as well as possession and dealing in crystal methamphetamine,” said Rhynes.

Umbilo CPF acting chairperson Maria Calitz praised the arrest and the removal of the suspected drugs from the community.

“The removal of suspected drugs of this value from our community is an important step in the ongoing fight against crime and substance abuse,” said Calitz.

“Drugs do not only destroy the lives of those who use them. They fuel crime, break down families, create fear in communities and place enormous pressure on parents, schools and law enforcement. Every drug-related arrest must be seen as part of a bigger effort to protect our young people and restore safety in our streets.”

Also Read: R360 000 drugs consignment recovered in Point, Petroport

Calitz said the Umbilo CPF would continue working closely with SAPS, neighbourhood watches, residents and local organisations to strengthen community safety.

“We urge residents to continue reporting suspicious activity to SAPS. Communities cannot remain silent when criminal activity is taking place around them. When residents and police work together, we can make it much harder for drug dealers to operate in Umbilo,” she said.

Rhynes echoed the call for community involvement, saying SAPS remains committed to disrupting the supply of illegal drugs and bringing offenders to justice.

“Community members are encouraged to continue providing information that can assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime,” she said.

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