Six suspects aged between 19 and 60 years believed to be Mozambican Nationals were caught with their pants down when the Hawks Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation raided the warehouse in Standerton industrial area where a number of chemicals were stored on Friday 04 April 2025. Investigation led to the arrest of the fourth suspect believed to be their employer.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence, and K9 advanced to a farm nearby whereby more chemicals and machinery believed to be used in manufacturing of drugs were found. Two more suspects were arrested on the farm. The estimated value of the recovered substances and machinery is estimated to be R20 million. The exact figure will be available after proper analysis.
The team from Forensic Science Laboratory, Chemistry Section, is already on the scene for further investigation.
A BMW X5 that belongs to one of the suspects was also seized for further investigation.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, applauded members for a job well done. “There have been a number of drug related cases reported in Standerton. Hawks members were tasked to monitor and expand our network to focus on drug related cases. Members responded, and this seizure is the result of commitment and hard work. The collaboration between different stakeholders led to the success, “said the General.
Clandestine laboratory with equipment and substances estimated at more than R20 million recovered in Standertonhttps://t.co/3bEot0DkxQ#ArriveAlive #DrugsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/gi8YjHziRw
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 5, 2025
