A TIP-off that a Nigerian man was selling drugs from his car near Birdswood Secondary School led to his arrest on Wednesday and the recovery of R49 000 worth of narcotics believed to be ‘cat’ or methcathinone.
Chukwama Omugo (41) was arrested by the Hawks and the Empangeni Dog Unit as he was leaving the driveway of his house in Bulbul Bend.
The narcotics and a roll of cash were seized after a search of the car.
His house was also searched, but no drugs were recovered inside.
He appeared in the Richards Bay District Court last week, where he was charged with possession of dangerous and dependence producing substances.
The prosecutor told the court the State is opposing bail and requested a seven day remand for investigating officer, W/O Ryno Louw, to prepare for Omugo’s bail application.
Omugo was reportedly arrested in July, also on drug-related charges and was possibly out on bail when he was re-arrested.
He is married to a local woman, but they do not live together.
Though she confirmed to police that he is her husband, she said she lives in Mzingazi.
The confiscated powder will be forwarded for forensic analysis.
Methacathinone, known by its street name ‘cat’, contains dangerous substances such as ephedrine, acetone, paint solvents, sulphuric acid and drain cleaner.
It is locally sold for between R250 and R350 per gram.
A local expert says the drug, which is snorted in powder form, is popular among younger users and causes an extreme energy hype.
‘It is similar to cocaine in effect, but much cheaper.
‘Users typically have sores on the face.’
Other effects include paranoia, delusion, hallucination, anxiety, stomach pain, elevated heart rate and high blood pressure.
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