The Mpumalanga police have recovered illegal drugs and laboratory equipment worth an estimated R20m.
Six suspects, aged between 19 and 60, were arrested while in the act of manufacturing drugs at a laboratory in Standerton on Friday, April 4. They are expected to appear in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 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.

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“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.
The provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber, said Standerton had been on the radar in connection with illegal drugs for some time. “There have been a number of drug-related cases reported in Standerton. The Hawks members were tasked to monitor and expand our network to focus on drug related cases,” said Gerber. “Members responded and this seizure is the result of their commitment and hard work.”

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Meanwhile, the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, has called for lengthy jail sentences to suspects convicted of drug-related crimes. “Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the police anonymously via the MySAPS app or by calling the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111,” he said.
Macie said drug use could cause serious health problems.

“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.