A tip-off led to the arrest of a notorious Phoenix druglord, who was allegedly found in possession of a drug manufacturing machine, drugs, firearms, stun grenades, armour-piercing and other high calibre ammunition.

The suspect, who is alleged to be behind the turf war shootings, attempted to flee when police swooped on his home, yesterday.

He was arrested by the Provincial Organised Crime and Provincial Drugs and Firearms Unit.

They had received information that the suspect was storing firearms in his fleet of luxury vehicles, parked outside his home in Westham.

“An operation was planned and upon the execution of the operation, the suspect was arrested as he attempted to flee from his residence. He was found in possession of a firearm and drugs. 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 were still underway to break-open his luxurious fully armoured SUV vehicle for a further search.

“Police found eight firearms, five stun grenades, several rounds of ammunition of various calibers of firearms, including armour-piercing ammunition, as well as a drug manufacturing machine and different types of drugs. One of the recovered pistols belongs to the police service. There were also police-issued rounds of ammunition of an R5 rifle, shotgun ammunition and it also suspected that the recovered stun grenades belong to the police service,” said Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for KZN police.

He said investigations had already begun to probe whether the suspect was in collusion with police officers for firearms, ammunition and other recovered items stolen from police officers who had been killed.

“The suspect is believed to be involved in the drug turf war drive-by shootings and other drug-related criminal activities. Once processed, the suspect will be presented before court,” Netshiunda added.

THE POST