KZN cops make second R1m drug bust
Police show a bag containing packets of heroin, discovered at a flat in Durban. The consignment is valued at an estimated R1 million. Picture: Supplied Police show a bag containing packets of heroin, discovered at a flat in Durban. The consignment is valued at an estimated R1 million. Picture: Supplied
KwaZulu-Natal police have made another breakthrough in their war on drugs in the province.
In their latest bust on Tuesday morning, a man was arrested in his Morningside flat with drugs valued at an estimated million rand.
Police spokesman Captain Thulani Zwane said 1.1 kilograms of heroin were discovered in the early morning sting at 02h30.
A 35-year-old man was arrested and was expected to appear in court on Tuesday. The drugs were confiscated.
“Police... found heroin in his (the alleged drug dealer) pockets and inside a wardrobe...” said Zwane.
This bust comes hot on the heels of another drug bust, last week, in Chatsworth, south of Durban.
During that raid, police pounced on a home and discovered over 3 000 straws of heroin and about 90grams of pure heroin.
The estimated value on the street of those drugs, was placed at R1 million.
An arrest has yet to be made in that case.
Meanwhile Sam Pillay, founder of the Chatsworth Anti Drug Forum commended police on their diligence. He told IOL that the a move to target drug dealers and not just ‘runners’ was a step in the right direction.
Pillay said that in his dealing with heroin addicts who want to be rehabilitated, he’s found that the drug dependency doesn’t just affect the user, but also the community too.
“By confession from many of our patients, we’ve learned that to support their habit, drug users will often turn to crime.
“The addiction is not something one can wish away. Many of the treatment models are not effective,” Pillay said.
In particular, drugs like heroin -- also known as “sugars” and “whoonga” -- had an “especially high relapse rate.”
“We find that patients go to a rehab centre, at a great expense. Many of these victims are sincere about becoming ‘clean’ but don’t (become rehabilitated) because their treatment does not include the relapse prevention medication called Naltrexone.”
Pillay says the medication is not easily attainable in South Africa, as it is not registered here.
“Naltrexone proved to be very effective [because it is] a non-addictive, anti-craving medication [that is used] in most countries.”
He said at the rehab centre he runs, he combines use of Naltrexone with a five-day detox, massage, life skills training and psycho-social intervention.”
Pillay said this multi-pronged approach to rehabilitation was proving to be very successful. - IOL
E-mail Benita: benita.enoch@inl.co.za