A SUSPECTED drug dealer, who is believed to be a role-player in drive-by shootings linked to a drug turf-war in the Phoenix area, attempted to give police the slip when they swooped on his home in Westham on Tuesday.
Acting on a tip-off, the 26-year-old man was arrested during the sting operation and is due make a court appearance in the coming days.
During the raid on his premises, police found eight firearms, five stun grenades, and several rounds of ammunition, including armour-piercing ammunition.
A drug manufacturing machine and different types of drugs were also seized.
In explaining the details of the raid and arrest, KZN police spokesperson Robert Nethsuinda said members of the Provincial Organised Crime and Provincial Drugs and Firearms Unit received information about a man who was suspected to be having firearms in each of his various vehicles.
Nethsuinda said as police converged on a block of flats in Westham, the 26-year-old man attempted to flee from his home.
"He was found in possession of a firearm and drugs. A subsequent search led to the recovery of two shotguns inside his apartment.
"The other five firearms were found inside each of his five vehicles.
"Attempts are still underway to break open his luxurious fully armoured SUV vehicle for a further search."
Nethsuinda said one of the recovered pistols belonged to the police service.
"There were also police-issued rounds of ammunition of an R5 rifle and shotgun ammunition and it was also suspected that the recovered stun grenades belonged to the police service."
He said investigations to uncover whether the suspect was working in collusion with police or whether the firearms were stolen.
"The suspect is believed to be involved in the drug turf war drive-by shootings and other drug-related criminal activities."
He confirmed that the suspect was expected to appear in court soon.
DAILY NEWS