Suspected drug dealer arrested with five firearms,R200K cash and ammunition in Durban
Crime Prevention police officers in Greenwood Park, Durban, have arrested a 45-year-old suspect after raiding his residence in Effingham on Thursday, uncovering a massive haul of firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs, and cash.
The breakthrough came while officers were conducting routine crime prevention duties and received a tip-off about an individual selling drugs in the area.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South African Police Service (SAPS) Spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that the proactive team operationalised the intelligence and targeted the identified address.
“The suspect was found inside the house. A subsequent search led to the recovery of a rifle, one shotgun, and three handguns. Officers also seized 3,196 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, 1,100 of which were for an AK-47 assault rifle,” Netshiunda said.
In addition to the arsenal, the suspect was found in possession of mandrax tablets, cocaine, and cash totaling over R200,000.
He was immediately arrested and charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of and dealing in drugs.
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.The Acting Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Major General Phumelele Makoba, praised the Crime Prevention officers for their swift and decisive action.
Makoba emphasised that effective crime prevention relies heavily on creating strong informant networks within neighbourhoods, noting that the police must continue to earn community trust by acting firmly on tip-offs.
“We thank our Crime Prevention officers for not just driving around the streets, but for paying close attention to the concerns of the communities we serve and acting on them. The removal of these five firearms from society will prevent violent crimes that could have been committed using those weapons,” Makoba said.
