Pretoria: Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says municipalities must rise to the occasion and be aware of the activities taking place in the spaces they rent out. The Minister’s comments come as he visited various drug laboratories and a warehouse which were discovered and shut down by the Hawks in Mpumalanga.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister emphasized the importance of municipalities being vigilant about the activities occurring in rented spaces, particularly following a significant drug operation. The operation, involving the Hawks in Secunda, Standerton K9, and Standerton Crime Intelligence, uncovered large quantities of illicit drug-manufacturing materials in Mpumalanga.

A search warrant led to the discovery of liquid and powder chemicals, machinery, and equipment in a storage facility, which confirmed its use for illicit drug production. Three Mozambican nationals found at the scene were arrested, and a fourth suspect, also a Mozambican national, was later apprehended. These individuals were found to be illegal immigrants.

Further investigation revealed a clandestine drug lab on a farm, resulting in the arrest of a Mozambican couple linked to the suspects. The combined value of the items discovered was approximately R20 million. All six suspects appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court.

Additional intelligence led to the discovery of more drug laboratories. Search warrants executed revealed a tablet pressing machine, a disassembled machine worth over R2 million, and finished powder products valued at over R28 million. Two South African males were arrested, and a third suspect voluntarily surrendered. Luxury vehicles and a significant amount of cash were also seized.

The suspects appeared in court, with one released while investigations continue. The remaining suspects are scheduled for a formal bail hearing. Minister Mchunu stressed the need to bolster law enforcement capacity to further dismantle the drug trade’s value chain.

Since August 2024, the SAPS has been actively uncovering clandestine drug laboratories, leading to major seizures. Significant drug busts have occurred, including the dismantling of a R100 million laboratory in Rietfontein, Tshwane, and a R4.5 million bust in Kibler Park, Johannesburg.

The SAPS remains committed to ensuring the safety of South Africans and combating the negative impact of drugs on communities. Drugs contribute to crime and harm the health and well-being of individuals, particularly the youth, across the nation.