Drug-accused couple who operated ‘Magic Touch’ salon and car wash, blamed tenants for the drugs

NO BAIL

- YOSHINI PERUMAL [e-mail]

Gerald Perumal

DURING her bail application this week, mother-of-two Natalie Perumal blamed her tenants for the drugs found on the premises of her Umhlatuzana home.

Natalie, 33, and her husband, Gerald Perumal, 32, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of dealing in drugs, possession of cocaine and mandrax, dispensing of medication without a permit, possession of suspected stolen property, and defeating the ends of justice.

Gerald was denied bail and Natalie was released on R10,000.

He was arrested at his home in 28th Avenue two weeks ago during a raid by the Hawks and metro police.

The couple co-own Magic Touch Car Wash and Magic Touch Salon in Umbhlatuzana.

Natalie was arrested last Thursday after police investigations found that “it became apparent that she was aware and had involvement in whatever had been happening” at her house.

According to the charge sheet, police found cocaine in packets, plastic sealed envelopes and plastic vials, and paraphernalia with cocaine residue on it.

They also found a large quantity of mandrax tablets in eight clear plastic bags.

The couple were charged for dispensing medication without a permit after they were found with 47 bottles of Astrapyn syrup.

They were also found with seven LED and four halogen stadium lights belonging to eThekwini Municipality.

They were also charged for defeating the ends of justice for allegedly attempting to flush the drugs down the toilet when police arrived.

In an affidavit read by their attorney Noven Naidoo, Natalie said she lived at the Umhlatuzana home for eight years with her husband, their two children and her father for eight years.

She said there were two tenants living on the premises, and accused them of being in possession of the drugs and items seized by police.