In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, members of the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit arrested a 23-year-old suspect in the Point area on Tuesday, 25 November 2025.
The arrest culminated from an extensive investigation aimed at unmasking a key individual believed to be supplying narcotics to various dealers in the region. The police’s persistent efforts culminated in a successful sting operation conducted at a premises on Fischer Street.
During the operation, a massive quantity of drugs was seized, including:
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5,830 capsules of heroin powder
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4,543 pieces of rock cocaine
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178 ecstasy tablets
The total estimated street value of the confiscated narcotics is R570,000. Police also recovered R157,270 in cash from the premises.
The suspect was arrested on the spot and charged with dealing in drugs. He was scheduled to make his first appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 26 November 2025.
Previous Newcastle Operation
This latest bust follows an earlier operation by the same Provincial Drugs and Firearm Team in Newcastle. On Tuesday, 11 November 2025, the team arrested 38-year-old John Onamu for dealing in drugs.
Acting on information, police descended on a premises on Starling Street in Newcastle, where they recovered an assortment of narcotics, including Rock Cocaine, Crystal Meth, and Mandrax. The drugs were estimated to be worth R200,000, and R17,800 in cash was also seized.
Onamu was charged with dealing in drugs and made his first court appearance at the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, where he was released on bail. At the time of this arrest, the suspect was already out on bail for two other separate drug-related offences.