Gerald Perumal (32), who was arrested for allegedly running a drug manufacturing laboratory from his Umhlatuzana home following a Hawks-led operation, appeared in court on Thursday, 5 March, alongside his wife.
Perumal’s wife was arrested on the morning of 5 March, shortly before the couple appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court in connection with the case.
It was confirmed in court that the couple have two children, aged 13 and two years old.
At the time of the initial arrest, it was revealed in court that four other men who were present at the property, including Perumal’s father-in-law, a gardener, and two men who were allegedly living as tenants in the outbuilding — were detained for questioning. However, they were later released without being arrested, as the property is owned by the Perumal couple.
During proceedings, the defence argued that the alleged drug-related evidence amounting to R500 000 was found in the outbuilding, and not inside the main residence where the couple lived with their children and father-in-law.
The court also heard that Perumal had previously been arrested on similar allegations, although those charges were later dropped.
During the bail proceedings, it was reported by the state that Gerald Perumal was allegedly found standing next to a recently flushed toilet during the police raid. According to an affidavit by Lieutenant Colonel Dwarika, officers discovered traces of cocaine around the toilet and on the seat.
Bail judgment has been postponed to Monday, 9 March, and both accused will remain in custody until then.
