Chatsworth, Durban – February 25, 2026 – In a decisive blow to organized crime, Metro Police Drug Team, alongside DPCI Port Shepstone and SAPS KZN Crime Intelligence (CI), are actively dismantling a major drug syndicate operating in the Chatsworth area. This long-term operation, codenamed “Operation Clean Sweep,” has yielded critical leads on high-profile kingpins, marking a turning point in KwaZulu-Natal’s battle against narcotics trafficking.
Sources close to the investigation reveal the syndicate, active for over three years, controlled a sophisticated network distributing methamphetamine (tik), heroin, and mandrax across Chatsworth, Wentworth, and surrounding informal settlements. Raids conducted early Wednesday morning targeted seven key locations, including stash houses in Crossmoor and Bayview. Authorities seized over 50 kilograms of drugs with an estimated street value of R12 million, alongside R2.5 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and firearms.
“We’ve been tracking these players for 18 months,” said Superintendent Niren Naidoo of the Metro Police Drug Team. “Positive intelligence from community tip-offs and undercover work led to these breakthroughs. Arrests include two alleged kingpins, aged 38 and 45, with links to international suppliers via Richards Bay ports.”
Chatsworth residents, long plagued by addiction and violence tied to the trade, welcomed the news. “This is hope for our youth,” said local pastor Miriam Chetty, whose church runs anti-drug programs. “Faith and community vigilance are dismantling darkness.”
The operation continues, with more arrests expected. SAPS urges tip-offs via Crime Stop at 08600 10111. As KZN fights back, this raid reminds us: unity prevails over crime’s grip