GAUTENG – Two men aged 23 and 35 charged with illegal manufacturing of drugs and contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court today, 23 June 2022.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Germiston together with the West Rand K9 swiftly responded to intelligence received related to suspicious drug dealings in the Norkerm Park area on 21 June 2022.
Upon arrival at a positively identified premises on Zaria Street, authorities noticed two males rushing towards a silver Toyota Corolla, which sped off. A chase ensued and police intercepted the suspects. The investigation team searched the suspects and in their possession, they found house keys.
Both the investigation team and the suspects proceeded to the suspects’ house where they discovered an illicit drug manufacturing laboratory, well capacitated and equipped with chemicals, suspected drugs readily packaged for distribution, and some in buckets as well as drug manufacturing equipment.
The pair was immediately arrested and charged. Authorities seized drug manufacturing equipment, drugs, and electronic gadgets with an estimated street value of R2.5 million for further investigation.
Meanwhile in the Vaal Rand area, three men are expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrates’ Court today, 23 June 2022 on similar charges.
According to information, Sedibeng police, Crime Intelligence and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) pounced on three men at a house in De Deur allegedly manufacturing methaqualone and mandrax.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in the Vaal Rand responded to the crime scene and apprehended the suspects. Three men aged 23, 30, and 44 were charged with illegal drug manufacturing, and contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. Authorities seized chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, drugs, gas cylinders, and gas stoves with an estimated street value of R1.5 million for further probing.
During the search, two unlicensed firearms with ammunition were recovered. The suspects were further charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Investigation on both cases continues and additional arrests cannot be ruled out.
Source: South African Police Service