May 28, 2006
By Santosh Beharie
A Senior Chatsworth policeman, who played a key role in a record hashish bust at a Pinetown warehouse in March, is now himself the subject of a drug investigation.
Acting on a tip-off, colleagues of Capt David Gopalsamy, 40, swooped on his Lemuria Road, Arena Park, home on May 9, and allegedly found three 20kg bags of compressed hashish.
The stash is alleged to be part of six tons - valued at R600 million - earlier seized by Gopalsamy and others in the KZN Organised Crime and Crime Intelligence Units.
Police spokeswoman Supt Phindile Radebe said Gopalsamy had appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate's Court three days after his arrest, charged with drug possession and defeating the ends of justice. He was released on R1 000 bail and will make his next appearance on Friday.
He is believed to have played an important role in what has become known as one of the biggest drug busts ever in South Africa. The drugs at the warehouse were packed in 500g blocks, wrapped in plastic bags, inserted into boxes and labelled baby formula.
Investigators believe Durban was a rerouting point for the drugs which were shipped from Pakistan to the port, possibly for trans-shipment to Canada or Europe. Two Durban brothers, aged 24 and 33, have been arrested in connection with the haul.
http://www.sundaytribune.co.za/index...icleId=3265764




Reply With Quote
