A man (34), suspected of manufacturing drugs at a home on Lakeside Drive in the Mount Edgecombe area, north of Durban, was arrested on Friday by the Hawks and Metro Police drug team.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said the intelligence-driven operation led to the seizure of R563 000 worth of cocaine.

“The suspect was caught red-handed processing crack cocaine. He was subsequently placed under arrest. During the search, pieces of crack cocaine, full moon blocks, half-moon blocks, quarter-moon blocks, pure cocaine powder, crushed crack cocaine and miracle powder were found.

“An estimated street value of the drugs, of approximately R563 500, was seized. Various drug paraphernalia, including scales, sealers, scissors,  cutting blades, packaging material, bottles and cooking pots were confiscated,” he said.

Mhlongo added that the suspect is expected to appear in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 15.