Durban - Eight big-time drug lords have established themselves in Phoenix and are engaged in a deadly turf war with smaller operators, according to local police.
Their investigation has lifted the lid on a thriving drug trade, often working off the back of the notorious taxi and tow truck industries.
And corrupt cops have been turning a blind eye to their activities, police have confirmed, saying several police officers had been fired because of corruption.
More alarmingly, police have revealed that weapons and ammunition are being supplied to drug dealers in Phoenix by corrupt cops outside of the area. They were also tipping off the criminals about police raids.
“Corruption within the police force and drug peddling in Phoenix has gone on for too long and it will no longer be tolerated. We can assure residents that much,” Colonel Teddy Munsamy, head of visible policing in Phoenix, told POST on Tuesday.
He said there were eight major drug dealers running the drug trade in Phoenix and with other smaller dealers cropping up this was causing a turf war in the area.
“We are closely monitoring the eight drug dens by stationing police vans outside the dens. The smaller dealers are also being watched carefully. We have profiles on each dealer so we know exactly how they operate. These dealers are operating through the taxi and tow truck industries, dealing in sugars’, mandrax, dagga and straws of heroin,” said Munsamy.
He said although they had details on the dealers, most of the time the runners were the ones being caught with the drugs and arrested.
“Corrupt policemen are the ones informing dealers of raids, and once they receive these tip offs they get rid of the drugs,” said Munsamy.
“While this is a challenge, it is no obstacle in our fight against drugs.”
He said when notified about corrupt cops at the Phoenix station, immediate action is taken.
“I believe there are corrupt cops working among us and hand in hand with drug dealers. So when we have information we investigate the officer immediately, and depending on the outcome, they are dismissed.”
Munsamy said some police officers from stations out of Phoenix were supplying and licensing weapons and ammunition to drug dealers.
“With the help of the other stations this is also being investigated. My ultimate goal is to seize all weapons and ammunition from drug dealers.”
He said they had also sought assistance from the courts for higher convictions with regards to drug crimes.
“When a person is due to appear in court for any charge related to drugs, we send all the information and statements to the senior public prosecutor at the courts, so he or she knows the background to the case beforehand.”
He said in some cases bail was set as high as R100 000, making it difficult for an accused person to get out.
Said Munsamy: “I can assure residents that corrupt policemen and drug pedlars will be dealt with and we will ensure a safer environment for everyone.”
POST