Chatsworth Drug Lab Case Alleged Drug Kingpin Denied Bail As Wife Granted R10k Bail

A man accused of running a drug manufacturing operation has been denied bail following his appearance in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Gerald Perumal appeared alongside his wife, Natalie Perumal, with the courtroom gallery filled with onlookers. The couple were arrested during a high-profile operation linked to a suspected drug laboratory in Umhlatuzana.

Authorities believe the operation was supplying drugs to dealers in the surrounding area.

Hawks uncover drugs, firearms and cash during raid

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane confirmed that officers uncovered drugs and manufacturing equipment during the search of the property.

“Police officers also confiscated R4, 260 in cash, suspected to be proceeds of crime. Additionally, police confiscated a rifle and a pistol along with 100 live rounds of ammunition. A 32-year-old man was apprehended and charged with dealing in drugs. The seized firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain if they were used in the commission of any crime in the country,” the Hawks confirmed.

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Investigators said suspected crack cocaine powder, mandrax tablets and equipment used to manufacture crack cocaine were also seized. The drugs are estimated to have a street value of about R650,000.

Wife granted bail as investigation continues

During court proceedings, Natalie Perumal was granted bail of R10,000, while Gerald Perumal was denied bail as investigations continue.

“Natalie Perumal was granted R10, 000 bail, while Gerald Perumal was denied bail for further investigation. The case has been postponed to April 16,” police confirmed.

It also emerged in court that the couple have two children aged 13 and two.

Gerald Perumal was earlier arrested during a sting operation carried out by the Hawks together with Metro Police at the couple’s home on 28th Avenue.

During the raid, officers allegedly seized drugs including cocaine and mandrax, as well as chemicals, packaging materials, manufacturing equipment, cash, cellphones, firearms and ammunition.

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Police also found a large number of bottles of Stilpane at the property. Lighting equipment believed to belong to the eThekwini Municipality was also confiscated.

Investigators reportedly began looking into Perumal’s activities in 2023. Authorities further allege that he attempted to flush drugs down the toilet when officers entered the house.

Four other individuals who were present at the residence — including Perumal’s father-in-law, a gardener and two men believed to be tenants in an outbuilding — were detained for questioning but later released without being charged.