Two men have been arrested in Newcastle for allegedly dealing in drugs after being found in possession of crystal meth with an estimated street value of R190,000.
Police, working alongside private security personnel, apprehended the suspects on Tuesday, 3 February, as part of a targeted crackdown on narcotics in the region. The suspects, aged 34 and 37, were taken into custody following successful operations conducted by the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit.
SAPS provincial spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that the first arrest followed a strategic intelligence-led investigation. “The police received intelligence that a suspect had collected drugs from Gauteng and was returning to Newcastle. Officers tracked the individual until he was intercepted in the Newcastle Central Business District,” Netshiunda said.
During the initial arrest, officers seized a quantity of drugs from the man. A subsequent search of his residence led to the discovery of a further stash of crystal meth. It was revealed that the 37-year-old suspect is currently out on bail for a previous drug-related offence; he has now been charged with dealing in drugs.
Later that same day, authorities received a second tip-off regarding another suspected dealer who was reportedly preparing to leave his home with a large quantity of narcotics. Police successfully intercepted the 34-year-old suspect before he could depart. A search of his vehicle uncovered more crystal meth and an undisclosed amount of cash. He was also arrested and charged with dealing in drugs.
