Police and private security forces dismantled a drug distribution operation in Groutville, near KwaDukuza, on Tuesday morning.

Two men, aged 38 and 49, were arrested in co-ordinated sting operation after heroin worth R210 000 – believed ready to be distributed across the Durban CBD, Ballito and KwaDukuza – was confiscated.

This comes less than two weeks after two Nigerian nationals were arrested after police raided an estate in Shaka’s Head on November 17, leading to the seizure of drugs including cocaine, crystal meth and methcathinone, worth an estimated R40 000.

In Tuesday’s raid, the Durban Metro Police Drug Team, working jointly with the Port Shepstone Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI also known as the Hawks), Counter Narcotics KZN Crime Intelligence (CI) and Drew Force Security also seized a vehicle, a cell phone and drug manufacturing equipment, making the total bust worth an estimated R635 500.

KZN Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo confirmed that the two men were arrested in different locations.

“SAPS reported receiving intelligence about a planned drug delivery in Ballito,” said Mhlongo.

“A co-ordinated operation was launched, and members kept surveillance until a suspect travelling in an e-hailing vehicle was intercepted on the N2 near Umhlanga after collecting drugs intended for distribution in the Durban CBD.”

Further investigation led the team to a “well-fortified” property in Groutville, believed to be the supplier’s manufacturing site. Upon entry, one suspect attempted to destroy evidence by flushing pure heroin powder down the toilet.

Despite this, officers seized thousands of heroin capsules, empty red-and-white capsules, capsule packaging machinery, grinders and drug-processing paraphernalia.

Forensic analysts conducted a heroin test, which returned positive results.

“This successful operation demonstrates our continued commitment to removing drugs from our communities and disrupting organised criminal networks,” added Mhlongo.

Both suspects are expected to appear in court on Thursday, November 27.

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