A Durban couple charged with dealing in Mandrax tablets allegedly offered police “a bundle of cash” to make the case “go away”.
|||Durban - The Durban couple charged with dealing in Mandrax tablets estimated to be worth millions, allegedly tried to bribe two policemen with a “bundle of cash” to make the case “go away”.
They also had apparently studied up on how to deal with a police investigation into drug dealing, according to documents the State allegedly found at their Newlands West home.
This is according to the charges the State has brought against Mogenderan and Nirusha Gounden and their co-accused, Cliffy Govender.
The Goundens have also been charged with possession of cocaine, ammunition and corruption for attempting to bribe the police officers.
On Tuesday, the trio appeared in the Durban Regional Court, but the trial failed to go ahead because the defence said they needed time to consult with their clients and to gain access to exhibits and documents in the docket.
The State alleges that during a 2010 raid at the Goundens’ home, when more than 50 Mandrax tablets were found in their car and some in their bedroom, the couple offered money to two Durban Flying Squad officers.
The State also claims that documents explaining how to manufacture certain drugs, and a list of chemicals with prices, were also found.
Two other documents detailing how a person should handle a police interrogation if arrested for a drug-related activity, were also found in the couple’s bedroom.
One document purports to describe possible scenarios that may arise in the event that the police arrive at the house in connection with drug investigations. The document also sets out the line of questioning and techniques of interrogations that police may resort to in questioning. Another document contained information a person could use to explain how drugs came into their possession.
About 180 000 tablets and drug manufacturing equipment, including a tablet press, were found on the Goundens’ properties.
On Tuesday, attorney Devin Moodley, acting for Govender, said he wanted access to an exhibit that was “central to the State’s case, and the only factual evidence against his client”.
Advocate Shan Govender, acting for the couple, said the new statements implicated his clients in the crimes and he would need time to consult with them.
The case was adjourned to next week.
On Monday, the Asset Forfeiture Unit restrained the couple’s residence in Newlands West, and two other properties in Asherville, as being “proceeds of crime”.
The Goundens’ farm in Tongaat was seized shortly after the 2010 raids.
kamini.padayachee@inl.co.za
The Mercury