Drugs and drug trafficking is a challenge in our policing areas. It affects everybody, young and old, said the Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber in commending a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Secunda and Middelburg based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Department of Health, Secunda K9, Secunda CIG, Witbank Tactical Response team, Secunda POP and White River K9 who conducted a disruptive operation on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 in Secunda and Bethal respectively.
A major investigation led to addresses where drugs are reported to be manufactured and sold.
During the investigation, covert operations were conducted, and suspects linked to the alleged crime were identified.
A search and seizure warrant was authorised and executed. The following success were achieved:
A farm was searched. A drug lab, ammunitions, and firearms were found and seized. A 70-year-old suspect was arrested and detained.
At a second address in Bethal, the following exhibits were seized: processing equipment constituting a drug lab, 106 rounds of ammunition. 44 rounds of .38 special, 68 rounds of shot gun ammunition, 215 live rounds of .22 caliber and 11 9mm rounds. Magic mushrooms, computers, and a dehydrator. A 40-year-old suspect was arrested and detained.
A third address in Secunda was searched and the following exhibits were seized: tables, loose and packaged magic mushrooms, sweets, 54 cookies Coco powder. A 32 year old female was arrested.
A fourth address in Secunda was searched. Dagga and magic mushroom plants and chemicals were seized. A 33-year-old suspect was arrested and detained.
At a business premises dry cannabis, weighing 1,560 kg, cannabis chewing gum and chocolates were seized, and a 35-year-old suspect was arrested and detained.
The suspects will be charged and will appear before the Secunda Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 20 March 2024.
Investigation is continuing.
“We shall leave no stone unturned to eradicate all forms of drug smuggling which destroys the very fibre of society, said Major General Gerber.”
Drug dealers apprehended for dealing, possession of drugs, and illegal firearms and ammunition https://t.co/EqfJy0YMaP#ArriveAlive #TrioCrimes #Enforcement #Hawks pic.twitter.com/yOqy52qFKJ
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 20, 2024