Police uncovered another drug lab on Rooikoppen farm, Standerton, yesterday.

According to Ridge Times, this comes just over a month after two clandestine laboratories in Mahonie Street and Rooikoppen farm, as well as a warehouse with chemicals believed to be used in drug manufacturing, were found.

According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, these three sites remained active crime scenes until a cleaning company was appointed through the assistance of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks Supply Chain Management, and Standerton SAPS to clean and purify the areas.

“The Hawks Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation [Unit] received information before the cleaning process could commence that underneath one of the containers, there was an entrance to the underground laboratory.

“The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation followed up the clues and identified the underground entrance.”

Nkosi says machinery believed to be used in the illegal manufacturing of drugs, drums, and plastic containers filled with substances were recovered.

The Hawks cannot confirm the value of the recovered equipment and chemicals, pending further investigation.

“Currently, the scene is under police guard to allow the Forensic Science Laboratory to analyse the recovered machinery and substances,” adds Nkosi.

Two South African nationals and six Mozambican nationals remain behind bars following their arrest during the first two recoveries.

Eleven vehicles, including high-performance luxury vehicles, and millions of rands were seized in April.

Mpumalanga Hawks head Major General Nico Gerber applauded members for following up on the information and uncovering further drug consignments. He says the Hawks will leave no stone unturned in dismantling the enterprise and its associated structures.

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