Hillcrest man arrested in R1.2 million drug bust
A man was arrested when police found hydroponic marijuana valued at approximately R1.2 million was at his house.
THE Durban Flying Squad raided a house on Cliffdale Road, Hillcrest and confiscated a large amount of dagga on Saturday, 12 April at approximately 11.30am.
Capt Thulani Zwane, police spokesman, said, “Durban Flying Squad members were patrolling the Hillcrest area when they received information about drugs at Cliffdale Road, Hillcrest. The members followed up the information, which led them to a house in the area.”
The squad raided the house and arrested a 24-year-old man. Subsequently, they searched house and discovered hydroponic marijuana valued at approximately R1.2 million.
“It is alleged that the man manufactured the drugs in his premises and then sold it,” said Zwane.
The arrested man was charged with drug dealing and appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 April.
Lt France Mkhize, of the Hillcrest SAPS, reported that the case had been temporarily withdrawn, after the accused claimed that the evidence had been tampered with. “The man pleaded not guilty and told the magistrate that he did not have any drugs and that the evidence was fabricated,” said Mkhize.
The drugs have subsequently been sent to a forensic lab for analysis. If the results confirm that the evidence collected was indeed marijuana the case will continue.
