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Two suspects (South African nationals), aged 24 and 39, are expected to appear in Standerton Magistrate's Court today, Wednesday 09 April 2025.
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, 08 April 2025, in Flora Park, Standerton, four days after six Mozambican nationals were arrested in Standerton for similar activities.
The Hawks’ Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation monitored the origin of drugs in Standerton after numerous cases of possession of drugs were reported.
The task was successfully executed as two clandestine laboratories were clamped down within a week.
The team comprised of the Hawks’ Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, South African Narcotic Enforcement Bureau, Standerton Crime Intelligence, Standerton K9, Standerton Local Criminal Record Centre, Forensic Science Laboratory (Chemistry) and a private security company recovered a pressing machine and 35 buckets filled with powder ready to be pressed into tablets.
The recovered powder is estimated at R26 million whilst the pressing machine is estimated at R2 million.
Seven unlocked vehicles were found on the premises, and the trunks were locked. Investigation on these vehicles continues.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, applauded members for a job well done. "These arrests and recoveries should serve as a warning to other would be offenders to refrain from such activities in the province as we will knock on your doors shortly," warned the General.