2Two South African men, aged between 24 and 39, were arrested following the discovery of yet another drug laboratory in Standerton on April 8 with equipment and products estimated to be worth R28m. The men were scheduled to appear in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today (Wednesday, April 9), but had not done so at time of publication. These suspects were arrested in Flora Park just four days after the arrest of another six Mozambican nationals for similar activities.
The Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit (Hawks) monitored the origin of drugs in Standerton after numerous cases of drug possession were reported in this town. “The task was successfully executed as two clandestine laboratories were raided within a week,” said provincial Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Magonseni Nkosi.
The team comprised of the Secunda-based Hawks, the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau, Standerton Crime Intelligence, the Standerton K9 Unit, the Standerton Local Criminal Record Centre, the Forensic Science Laboratory and a private security company.
Nkosi said a pressing machine and 35 buckets, filled with powder ready to be pressed into tablets, were found. “The powder is valued at R26m while the pressing machine is estimated to be worth R2m,” said Nkosi. Seven vehicles were also confiscated at the premises. “Although the vehicles’ doors were unlocked, their boots were locked,” he said.
The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major- General Nico Gerber, sent out a strong warning to other would-be drug dealers. “These arrests and recoveries should serve as a warning to other would-be offenders to refrain from such activities in the province, as we will knock on your doors shortly.”
The six arrested on April 4, were remanded in custody and appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 7. The case against Cardoso Missuque (36) Mindlati Beto (25), Antonio Maciya (19), Virginea Macamo (51), Justino Missuque (60) and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified as he is a minor, was postponed to Friday, April 11. They were arrested after the police discovered a laboratory, machinery and drugs with an estimated value of R20m.
