'Biggest' cocaine bust in Phoenix: two arrested, allegedly linked to Southside Gang

IN A MAJOR cocaine operation, police uncovered a clandestine cocaine laboratory allegedly linked to the notorious Southside Gang, operating “under the radar” from a home in Phoenix.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL [e-mail]

In a joint operation by the Hawks, the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) Durban Unit, the provincial tactical response team and metro police, over R4 million worth of cocaine was seized from two homes in Phoenix.

Narelle Maikoo, 34, and Brene Braydon Chetty, 22, both from Greenbury, were arrested.

They appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

They were remanded in custody until their bail application later this week.

Maikoo was charged with dealing in cocaine and heroin after police found a brick of cocaine worth R350 000 in her bedroom, and heroin powder estimated at R60 000 in a green bag in the kitchen of her Bowgreen Close home.

Police then swooped on Chetty’s home in Garbgreen Close, where they discovered R3 683 000 worth of drugs, which included 20 560 pieces of crack cocaine valued at R1 028 000, uncut discs of crack cocaine valued at R 2 130 000, sachets of cocaine valued at R325 000 and ecstasy tablets worth R325 000. He was also found with R10 000 worth of painkillers (Phenacetin), and ammunition.

State prosecutor Joshua Adam Govender said bail would be opposed.

He told the court that when Chetty was arrested, police knocked on the door and there was no response.

Govender said Chetty jumped off the balcony from the first floor of his home and tried to flee.

“Police pursued him. He was brought back to the scene and arrested,” Govender said.

It has been alleged that Chetty operated the clandestine lab with crack cocaine, powder cocaine and Phenacetin painkiller, which was used as a bulking and cooking agent.

Police also recovered scales, blades, glass jars and various types of ammunition from Chetty’s home.