KWAZULU-NATAL – A 36-year-old suspected drug dealer, Claude Maria appeared at the Verulam Magistrates’ Court on Friday for alleged charges of dealing in drugs. He was remanded in custody until tomorrow, 31 May 2021 for bail consideration.
Claude was handed over by his legal representative to the Hawks’ investigation team in Durban on 27 May 2021 after he has been sought on numerous occasions.
The Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau working together with Crime Intelligence, National Intervention Unit, Public Order Police and Durban Metro K9 Unit arrested two alleged drug peddlers, Christoff Joseph (33) and Jerome Nair (32) earlier this month respectively. They were arrested at the 36-year-old’s premises in Wareham Place, Westham in Phoenix during covert operations. Police recovered 8435 heroin capsules with an estimated street value of more than R74 000.
Both accused appeared at the Verulam Magistrates’ Court. Joseph was released on a R10 000 bail and will reappear on 7 July 2021 whereas Nair is still in custody. He will appear in court on 31 May 2021 for bail application, joined by Claude.
