Tycoons ‘fuelling hashish trade’
Hash is classy. -UA
iol.co.za
Wealthy Durban businessmen are believed to be fuelling the demand for hashish, which appears to have become the drug of choice in the city in recent months.
On Friday, three foreigners were arrested after a operation netted more than R300 000 worth of hashish at a chicken outlet in Durban’s Prince Edward Street and at a house in Yellowwood Park.
A stick of hashish sells for between R400 and R800.
They were expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of possession and dealing in drugs and bribery and corruption.
Police spokesman. Colonel Jay Naicker, said the Durban Flying Squad Narcotics Task Team had made the arrest at the chicken outlet where 29 sticks of hashish was seized.
The drugs was allegedly found hidden in the shop’s refrigerator.
A 42-year-old man was arrested for possession, while a 52-year-old store owner was nabbed after he had allegedly tried to bribe a policeman with R10 000 to drop the charges against his employee.
Naicker said further investigation led police to a house in Gannet Place, Yellowwood Park, where 6kg of hashish was found. A 41-year-old man was arrested.
According to police sources, the arrest came after a week-long operation. The source said the Durban Flying Squad Narcotics Task Team had received information about the alleged drug dealing at the chicken outlet.
“Surveillance was kept at the shop for over a week. In this time wealthy Durban businessman were seen frequenting the shop. But none of them emerged with chicken.
“Information has it that these businessmen are keeping the hashish trade alive in the city. They are being monitored closely.”
Investigations had revealed that the drug was being brought from Malawi to South Africa and then transported by bus to Durban.
Hashish is a sticky, thick, dark resin (like sap) which is made from the flower of the female cannabis plant.
The plant’s leaves and flowers contain a chemical which is said to give a person a happy feeling. Hashish is either smoked, inhaled or eaten.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, welcomed the arrest.
“I am impressed with the progress that is being made in ridding our streets of drugs and I urge my members to stay motivated and continue with their excellent work.
“It is comforting to see that so many people have been arrested for attempting to bribe our police officers.
