HAWKS take down massive drug lab worth millions
PRETORIA – A joint operation between the Western Cape Hawks and Crime Intelligence has led to the arrest of five suspects including a Detective Warrant Officer for manufacturing and dealing in drugs.
The mandrax drugs worth an estimated R105 million were discovered at a smallholding in De Deur on the Vaal.
The area had been monitored for few months on suspicion that a syndicate was involved in the alleged drug lab for distribution countrywide. The suspects aged between 27 and 59 years were arrested on Tuesday evening at a small holding whereas the police officer was arrested at his house in Bassonia on Wednesday morning (June 8).
The investigation team recovered methaquolium, pressers, and other drug manufacturing equipment and mandrax tablets already packed and ready for distribution in De Deur including at one of the police officer’s houses.
The operation is the second major drug bust in the last 24 hours where the KwaZulu Natal Hawks members also confiscated R50 million worth of drugs in a sealed container at the Durban harbour in KwaZulu Natal.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) National Head Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza has lauded both investigation teams and warned that organised crime was undermining the community’s wellbeing.
“We are committed and buoyed to introduce a range of initiatives to target and further disrupt the activities of organised criminal groups and networks. We will never rest on our laurels. By nature, organised crime is challenging to detect and to counter but as the Hawks and with the help of our communities we are committed to work tirelessly to fight the plague of drugs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the suspects are expected to appear before the Vereeniging Magistrates Court soon on charges of manufacturing and dealing in drugs.
