A 44-YEAR-OLD foreign national is set to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today following his arrest on July 27 for drug-related offenses.

Also read: Drugs and firearm recovered during joint police operation

According to KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the arrest came after a coordinated operation by the provincial drugs and firearms unit.

“Acting on intelligence about suspected drug activities, officers targeted a flat in Northridge Park, Montclair. Upon arrival, they discovered the suspect actively engaged in packaging cocaine and methcathinone. The total street value of the seized drugs is estimated at R565 000,” said Netshiunda.

The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was arrested on the scene and is facing charges of dealing in drugs. His first court appearance will take place later today, where the legal proceedings will begin.

In another story, the Wentworth Visible Policing (Vispol) unit, in partnership with security companies such as PT Alarms, Titan Arms and 50 Security Company, conducted extensive vehicle checkpoints in the Merewent area over the weekend.

Also read: Drugs, money and unlicensed gun found on suspects in Wentworth drug den

The operation focused on Austerville Road, where motorists were stopped and searched for illegal items, including illegal firearms, unlawful possession of firearms, illicit drugs, dangerous weapons and invalid driving licences.

Police spokesperson in Wentworth Captain Mbuso Gumede said, “During the operation, it was noted that the motorists were largely compliant with road rules, possessed valid driving licences, and did not carry an overload of passengers. Simultaneously, another checkpoint was conducted in Merebank on Krishna Rabilal Road, where officers stopped and searched vehicles.”

One driver was charged with failing to display a licence disc, resulting in an R800 fine. “Additionally, a suspect was arrested for possession of crack cocaine and detained, pending a court appearance,” he said.

Further stop-and-search operations were conducted in hotspot areas of Merewent, including Natraj Shopping Centre, Merebank Navy and Merebank Ridge. The police ensured visibility and conducted patrols to enhance community safety.

The operation was led by Vispol Commander Lieutenant Colonel Clive Myburg, who urged the Merewent community to report crime and be vigilant. He encouraged residents to join community policing forums (CPF) and neighbourhood structures to bolster local safety efforts.

“This collaborative operation between SAPS and private security companies highlights the commitment to serving and protecting the Merewent community,” Gumede added.

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