The two men who were found in possession of R3 million worth of drugs will make a formal bail application at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 16 November. The accused, Elvis Vathajal (42) and his father, Kali Vathajal (70), who were arrested on Monday, 7 November, appeared in court on Tuesday and were remanded in custody.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker, said that police officers from the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit followed up on information received about drugs being transported from Chatsworth to another location. He said: “The team proceeded to the identified house where they were confronted by the strong odour of heroin. The house was searched and police found 15kg of heroin, a number of empty capsules as well as packaging trays. The recovered drugs are valued at approximately R3 million. Two suspects, aged 42 and 70, were arrested for dealing in drugs.”
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests. He said: “The Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit must be commended for their commitment towards ridding our streets of drugs. On a daily basis, large quantities of drugs are confiscated with drug dealers being arrested in the process. We appeal to our communities to play a greater role in discouraging our youth from falling prey to the cycle of drug addiction.” According to members of the community who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation, police arrived in unmarked vehicles. “I noticed some activity but did not know what was happening. It was later, after browsing through social media, that I realised it was a drug bust. I am extremely shocked and concerned about what is happening in the midst of our community. Special thanks and appreciation goes to the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit for following up on information and arresting two people who are causing social ills in our community,” said a resident.
