A notorious drug den in Fernwood has been officially closed, marking the end of the illicit trade that had plagued the area.

This comes as Amajuba District SAPS Spokesperson, Constable Nonjabulo Lange, explained that on Friday, 6 December 2024, the Newcastle Police Station’s Crime Prevention Unit, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Dlamini, carried out a carefully planned sting operation at the infamous drug house in Fernwood, Newcastle.
“The team, which included Sergeant SP Buthelezi, Sergeant P Birbal, Constable Sibisi, Constable Moloi, Constable Khumalo, Constable Malambo, and Ashiq Essop from the Amajuba Crime Fighting Task Team, had gathered intelligence indicating that the house was a centre for drug-related activities and the sale of stolen goods,” said Constable Lange.
She went on to add that the operation, led by Sergeant Birbal, resulted in the arrest of six drug dealers, who were found in possession of various illicit substances, including:
- Crystal Meth (also known as Tik, Crank, or Speed).
- Kat
- Cocaine.
- Heroin (Whoonga).
- Mandrax Tablets.
Reflecting on the operation’s success, Aashiq Essop of the Amajuba Crime Fighting Task Team shared that the drug den had been a persistent issue for a significant period.
“Community members have been terrorised by those coming to purchase drugs from the house, with many residents too frightened to leave their homes or even walk their dogs due to the individuals frequenting the house,” he remarked.
Essop further noted that, due to the availability of drugs at the house, coupled with their clientele’s addiction, house burglaries in the Fernwood area had increased markedly. With the drug dealers now in police custody, he hoped the surge in criminal activity would now be brought under control.
In addition, Constable Lange highlighted, “This operation is part of a larger effort to combat the ongoing issue of drug activity in Newcastle, which has seen multiple arrests by various law enforcement officers throughout the past week.”
Commenting on the recent string of arrests, Essop emphasised the severity of the drug trade in Newcastle and reiterated the determination of law enforcement and crime-fighting organisations to tackle the issue head-on.
“Several stop-and-search operations are now being conducted, and we have found that drug users are often carrying dangerous weapons alongside their drugs,” he explained, underscoring the grave nature of the situation and the need for stringent action against drug dealers and individuals in possession of illegal narcotics.
As law enforcement continues to focus their efforts on dismantling the drug trade in Newcastle, the station commander of the Newcastle SAPS, Brigadier Vassie Naidoo, expressed his sincere gratitude to the team for their tireless work in the fight against crime, commending them for their unwavering dedication and outstanding efforts.
Newcastillians are also encouraged to report all drug-related crimes to the SAPS or local crime fighting organisations, as to ensure the drug trade is eradicated from the Newcastle community.

With the arrest of six drug dealers at a notorious drug den in Fernwood and law enforcement stepping up their fight against drugs in Newcastle, what are your thoughts on the matter?
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Comments 2
Welldone , give them no bail keep them in as long as possible. They ruin homes and children.
Well done SAPS, although this was long overdue. As community let’s assist the police to clean our area. Next step, put more effort even at townships surrounding Newcastle.