POLICE seized illegal substances estimated at R310 000 in eSikhaleni on Monday morning.
Drugs, stolen property, bags of dagga and two unlicensed firearms were discovered by the special team of detectives known as ‘Operation Thatha Konke’.
Due to the rise of house break-ins, robberies, muggings and rape cases in the area, police targeted areas with high crime activities such as uMkhobose, Mzingwenya, eNsimbini and KwaDube.
Acting branch commander and group leader Captain Nhlanhla Mncwango said drug peddling in the area was the root of crime activities, and police were determined to eliminate these activities.
‘All these crimes are drug related. Users break the law to feed their drug habits. We then profiled places targeting peddlers and their operations. Times were checked and we spent days planning our bust. The operation is still ongoing and targeting distributors and top kingpins who are responsible for these drugs,’ said Mncwango.
Forty people were arrested and charged for drug use, peddling and being in possession of unlawful firearms, 23 cases were dagga related.
According to Warrant Officer Phumlani Gwala, drugs such as whoonga and mandrax valued at R250 000 and dagga bags worth R20 000 were discovered. Home appliances such as television sets, hi fi’s and other appliances valued at R40 000 were also found.
He added that both firearms were sent for ballistic and forensic tests.
All suspects appeared in eSikhawini Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and some were released on bail.
