A 30-year-old suspect was arrested for allegedly operating an illegal drugs laboratory in Barberton on September 23.

The Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said the suspect was arrested during a multidisciplinary intelligence-driven disruptive search-and-seizure operation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Mbombela with the White River K9 Unit, aiming at eradicating the manufacturing of drugs within the Barberton community.

“The arrest follows intelligence about a plot in Barberton where drugs are being manufactured and peddled. The team acquired an authorisation from the court to enter, search and seize every item that is drug-related.

“On arrival at the identified address, the team found trees of dagga, bottles containing dry dagga and dagga seeds. The suspect was immediately arrested, charged accordingly and detained pending his first court appearance in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday September 26. Exhibits were seized for further laboratory investigation,” Sekgotodi said.

The Hawks’ provincial head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, commended the team’s efforts for ensuring that drug laboratories are dismantled and suspects are brought to book.