Cops bust drug den

POLICE pinned a Nigerian male and South African teenage girl in possession of significant amounts of drugs during a thorough sting operation at a Wildenweide apartment complex on Friday.

Police also found a man who was allegedly held hostage in one of the apartments for owing his dealer money.

The compound, notorious for housing conspicuous drug dealing activities, was combed by the Richards Bay SAPS in partnership with the Crime Intelligence Unit and Empangeni Canine Unit.

Blocks of crack cocaine as well as bags of cocaine and dagga were seized from two flats in the building in a cordon and search operation, conducted from 11am to 3pm.

Police are still establishing the weight and street value of the drugs confiscated.

Five laptops were also found on the premises and removed by the SAPS with suspicions of the items being stolen property or traded in for drugs.

Both suspects will appear in the Richards Bay Magistrates Court today (Monday) on charges of possession of illegal substances, while a kidnapping case was also opened at the Richards Bay SAPS.

This cluster operation was applauded by Business Against Crime, Richards Bay CPF and residents who have reported numerous complaints regarding drugs running rife in town.

Earlier this month, the Organised Crime Unit was called to a house in Veldenvlei where Nigerian drug lords smashed the windows of a vehicle parked at a home of a user who reportedly owed them drug money – highlighting the dangers to youths who get involved in the drug trade or as users.

Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson Debbie Ferreira also urges proprietors to be wary when renting their homes to new leaseholders.

‘Property owners must be cautious when renting out and ensure that tenants will not use their properties to conduct criminal activities.’