Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jan 2005
Source: Daily News, The (South Africa)
Copyright: 2005 The Daily News.
Contact:  http://www.dailynews.co.za/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2941
Author: Yadia Singh

DRUGS FOR A SONG IN DURBS

Cocaine, a drug regarded as mainly for the rich, sells on the street of 
Durban for between R250 and R300 a gram said operation head of the 
Organised Crime Unit in Durban, Senior Supt Deven Naicker.

"The price depends on the quality of the drug," he said.

"Cocaine powder, generally regarded as a drug for the rich, is sold per 
gram. A gram of cocaine could be divided 12 to 15 times and would cost 
approximately R20 a snort," said Naicker.

Naicker said the price of Ecstasy tablets also depends on the quality of 
the drug and demand.

"Ecstasy can be bought on the street for R30 a tablet and sometimes can 
fetch as high as R60.

"Dagga, on the other hand, can be bought at R1 a gram wholesale and is sold 
for R2 a gram," said Naicker.

He said while cocaine might seem cheaper overseas, due to the exchange 
rate, it was actually cheaper in Durban, relative to the cost of living.
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MAP posted-by: Beth