Six people briefly appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on charges of dealing in drugs and contravention of the Immigration Act, today (Monday April 7).

Cardoso Missuque (36) Mindlati Beto (25), Antonio Maciya (19), Virginia Macamo (51), Justino Missuque (60) and a boy, aged 17, who cannot be identified as he is a minor, were remanded in custody.

Due to language barriers they were not asked to plead to the charges.

Their next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, April 11 to await a Xitsonga language interpreter so that they can plead and commence with formal bail applications.

ALSO READ: Operation Vala Umgodi nets 36 suspects in Sabie and Low’s Creek

The group was arrested after the police allegedly found them in the act of manufacturing drugs at a laboratory in Standerton on Friday, April 4.

One of the suspects had employed the others.

The police have so far roped in officials from the Department of Home Affairs to establish the suspects’ status in the country.

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, the K9 Unit and Kasselman Security.

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 R20m. The exact figure will be available after proper analysis.”

He said a team of the chemistry section of the forensic science laboratory 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.”

Meanwhile, the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, has called for lengthy jail sentences to those 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.