The Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court recently postponed the case against two suspects who were allegedly involved in a drug manufacturing operation to September 18.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that two men, Jose Vaso Sete (53) and Arlindo Fernand (44), appeared briefly before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on charges of manufacturing drugs and contravening the Immigration Act on September 11.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the National Office of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI) received intelligence about what is believed to be a drug manufacturing lab in Erasmia near Centurion.

“After investigations by the DPCI on September 9, various units within the police went to the area where the lab is located. On arrival, they allegedly found the two accused attempting to flee, and the police apprehended them.

“After their arrest, the police discovered the drug lab inside the house with drug manufacturing equipment; drug manufacturing materials, and drugs at various stages of production, as well as fully manufactured drugs worth approximately R110-million,” Mahanjana said.

The matter was postponed to September 18 for the appointment of a foreign-language interpreter and for bail investigations.

Both accused were remanded in custody, and the state intends to oppose their release on bail.

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