Standerton – Six suspects have been arrested after they were found in a warehouse, where chemicals used in the manufacture of illicit drugs were stored.
Three suspects, aged between 19 and 60 and believed to be Mozambicans, were arrested by the Hawks Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit during a raid on the warehouse on Friday, (4 April 2025).
The Hawks uncovered several chemicals used to manufacture illicit drugs stored in the warehouse
Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said further investigations led to the arrest of a fourth suspect believed to be the employer.
“The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence, and K9 advanced to a farm nearby where more chemicals and machinery believed to be used in the manufacturing of drugs were found,” Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi said.
“Two more suspects were arrested on the farm.
“The estimated value of the recovered substances and machinery is estimated to be R20 million.”
A BMW X5 that belongs to one of the suspects was also seized for further investigation, Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi said.
The team from the Forensic Science Laboratory, Chemistry Section, was also on the scene.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Nico Gerber, applauded members for a job well done.
“There have been a number of drug-related cases reported in Standerton,” said Major General Gerber.
“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.
