Chartwell Drive drug suspects granted bail
Accused claimed they were unaware of the R5-million drug-packaging operation on Chartwell Drive.
ELEVEN of the 12 people arrested in the multi-million rand drug bust in uMhlanga last month have been granted bail at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Some of the accused claimed they were visiting relatives or had other reasons for being at the house at the time of the bust.
Last month police raided the house on Chartwell Drive and found a total of 100 000 mandrax tablets, sugars as well as heroin powder with street value of approximately R5-million. Some of the suspects were found allegedly packing the drugs into straws destined for the street market.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson, said bail was set at R 100 000 for accused number one and R50 000 for accused three to twelve. Accused number two, who is a Burundian national, abandoned his bail after the State said it would oppose his application for it.
“The accused were ordered to report to their nearest police station twice a week. The case was adjourned until 7 March,” she said.
Last week Chatsworth Anti-Drug Forum’s Sam Pillay congratulated the police on their bust but bemoaned the judicial system which he said was flawed. “There have been some fantastic arrests in the past but how many of those caught are granted bail,” he said. He added he would like to see more successful conviction rates.
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