Clandestine drug lab cracked
The National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele has again praised members of the SAPS for uncovering one of the largest covert drug operations in South Africa, netting chemicals and equipment to value of over R2 billion as well as seizing a large quantity of Cocaine.
In Cape Town, tireless work by the Hawks which led police to a business premises in Karee Street, in Kraaifontein. The business premises was being used as a clandestine laboratory in which almost a ton of Methaqualone powder which is commonly used in the manufacture of Mandrax tablets, was seized. This amount of powder can be used to manufacture approximately 1.6 million Mandrax tablets with a street values of R112 million.
The team also seized more chemicals that could be utilized to manufacture a further two million Mandrax tablets as well has equipment to the value of R10 million.
In another incident, a Mozambican national woman was stopped by members of our SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit at O R Tambo International Airport after she returned from South America. The woman was found in possession of approximately R12 million worth of Cocaine.
"These are indeed huge infiltrations as it helps our efforts enormously to overcome the scourge of drugs," said General Bheki Cele. "Uncovering a laboratory as well as identifying drug mules entering the country are indeed much bigger than just seizing drugs on its own, as this is aiming the heart of such operations," added Cele.
Drug abuse is indeed a major concern to the SAPS and therefore regarded as one of our priorities. While dealing in drugs, possession of drugs or using drugs are crimes on its own, the greater concern is the other serious crimes that are being committed by users to sustain their addiction. "It is my firm belief that campaigning against drugs and effectively policing this environment will help us overcome other serious crimes like Murder, Rape, Assault GBH, Armed Robberies, Theft, etc," said General Cele.
Our communities are continuously called upon to help police in this area and members of the SAPS have been ordered to respond to all drug-related information, however insignificant it may appear.
Four Indian Nationals that were arrested in connection with this drug bust in Cape Town will appear in the Kuilsriver Magistrates court on charges of Dealing in Drugs before the close of business tomorrow, Wednesday, 20 April 2011. The Mozambican woman will appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates court on Wednesday, 20 April 2011.
Statement issued by Colonel Vishnu Naidoo Corporate Communication South African Police Service, April 19 2011
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