Gauteng suspects nabbed for running drug operation supplying Western Cape

Two Gauteng suspects were apprehended for running a drug lab operation in the West Rand which had a market in the Western Cape.

HAWKS POUNCE ON GAUTENG SUSPECTS MANUFACTURING DRUGS

Police spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase confirmed that the Hawks South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) in alliance with Crime Intelligence (CI) and Special Task Force pounced on the Gauteng suspects reportedly operating a fully functional clandestine laboratory in the rural Mogale City, Magaliesburg in the late hours of Thursday, 11 May 2023.

ALSO READ: Police crack down on drugs

“The joint police team executed a search and seizure warrant (J51) following an intensive investigation into the drug supply flowing into the Western Cape. During the search, the police found mandrax paste, mandrax tablets, mandrax press, oven to dry methaqualone, buckets of methaqualone, and drums of powder used in the manufacturing of mandrax worth an estimated R150 million,” said Colonel Nkwalase.

ALSO READ: Cape police seize drugs worth over R5m in Klawer and Table View

“Two suspects aged 72 and 37 were arrested.”

Colonel Nkwalase.

ALSO READ: Suspect locked up for ruining school kids future with dagga

THE DUO EXPECTED IN COURT NEXT WEEK

The Gauteng suspects, aged 72 and 37 will appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 15 May 2023 where they will be facing charges of dealing in drugs and contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992, according to Nkwalase.

ALSO READ: Prison warden busted for drug smuggling

NATIONAL HEAD PRAISES STELLAR DETECTIVE WORK

The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Lebeya (Dr/Adv) extolled the Western Cape Serious Organised Crime investigation team together with Crime Intelligence for their meticulous detective work.

“The collaborative approach proves to us that it is the only way to make a meaning fight against syndicate crimes”, said General Lebeya.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY SISO NAILE