A 29-year-old West African national is in custody after a targeted operation by specialised police units led to a significant drug bust on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Drugs and Firearms Unit, in conjunction with the Provincial Illicit and Counterfeit Unit, acted on intelligence about a drug dealer operating in the area. The police proceeded to a block of flats in Richards Bay.
Upon the officers’ arrival, the suspect allegedly threw a packet of drugs from a window. He was subsequently located and arrested inside the premises.
A search of the location yielded a substantial haul of narcotics. Police recovered 285 grams of CAT (methcathinone), 57 ecstasy tablets, 61 grams of crystal meth, one rock of cocaine, and five additional packets of CAT. The total estimated street value of the confiscated drugs is nearly R80,000.
Investigators also seized an undisclosed amount of cash found in the suspect’s possession, which is believed to be the proceeds of criminal activity.
The suspect is scheduled to make his first court appearance at the Empangeni Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, facing charges of possession of and dealing in drugs.