KZN police seize cannabis worth R1.3 million in eThekwini

KwaZulu-Natal police have seized cannabis with an estimated street value of R1.3 million following an intelligence-driven operation across multiple areas in the eThekwini District. Five suspects, aged between 22 and 41, were arrested on Thursday after police uncovered what is believed to be a cannabis distribution network operating through four shops. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, the operation was led by the Provincial Organised Crime Narcotics and Organised Crime Threat Unit, which acted on intelligence about a suspect allegedly dealing cannabis from premises in Umbilo, Amanzimtoti, Brighton Beach and Montclair.

“The team executed search warrants simultaneously at all identified premises,” Magwaza said. The main suspect was arrested at a separate location and taken to his residence in Yellowpark, where additional cannabis was recovered. Police confirmed that the total street value of the confiscated cannabis is estimated at R1.3 million.

All five suspects have been charged with dealing in drugs and are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court. Magwaza said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by police to combat organised drug-related crime in the province.