Durban – A 46-year-old man was arrested at a shopping centre in the Mount Edgecombe area, north of Durban last week by a team from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for alleged dealing and possession of drugs.
The Hawks said Ashwin Jugnandan was arrested by members from the Hawks Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit and Metro Police Drug Team on Thursday.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said members received information about a suspect transporting drugs around the Durban North area.
As a result, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted, he said.
Mhlongo said Jugnandan was spotted at the shopping centre and a search was conducted of his vehicle.
“Police found 500 grams of pure cocaine powder and Mandrax tablets with a street value of approximately R204 750,” he said.
The Hawks said Jugnandan was arrested and charged with possession of drugs, as well as dealing in drugs.
Jugnanda appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Wednesday, provincial police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit followed up on information regarding a woman allegedly dealing in drugs at Montclair.
Ngcobo said police officers proceeded to Buller Road where they conducted an observation operation.
She said hours later, the woman was spotted leaving the house.
“She was approached by police who searched a backpack that she had. During the search, police officers discovered 2.1kg of heroin and 624 grams of cocaine with a street value of R520 000.”
Ngcobo said the 29-year-old suspect was arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs and detained at Montclair SAPS.
She appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court last week.