The Hawks have recovered illegal drugs and laboratory equipment worth an estimated R20m.
Six suspects, aged between 19 and 60, were arrested for manufacturing drugs at a laboratory in Standerton on Monday, April 07
They are expected to appear in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court Monday, April 7.
One of the suspects had employed the others of whom most are believed to be Mozambican nationals.
Following a tip-off, the Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit raided a warehouse in Standerton’s industrial area. They were assisted by the Hawks, Crime Intelligence and the K9 Units.
Some chemicals were discovered in the warehouse and confiscated. A BMW X5 belonging to one of the suspects was also seized for further investigations.
“The members then advanced to a nearby farm where more chemicals and equipment believed to be used in manufacturing of illegal drugs were found,” said the provincial Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi. “The estimated value of the recovered substances and machinery is estimated to be R20m. The exact figure will be available after proper analysis.”
He said a team of the forensic science laboratory, chemistry section, was called to the scene for further investigations.
Meanwhile, the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, has called for lengthy jail sentences to suspects convicted of drug-related crimes.
“We welcome every effort by the security cluster to combat illicit drug trading and manufacturing in our province. Drug kingpins must also be brought to book, so that they face the full consequences of their actions. Drug abuse places a huge burden on the health and welfare of the country, because addicts end up in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities for treatment and psychosocial support. Therefore, we must all work together to expose culprits,” Macie said.
