Durban - A police multi-task team has discovered a drug laboratory in the secluded Ngudwini area in Eshowe, in the north of KwaZulu-Natal, following a lengthy operation.
The task team comprising members of the Organised Crime Investigation and Narcotics unit pounced on the premises of the suspected drug laboratory in the Sundumbili policing precinct.
According to the police, when the officers arrived the suspects had just fled the scene and left the drug-making equipment running.
“A large quantity of raw materials suspected to be used in the manufacturing of drugs, as well as tablets believed to be mandrax, were found on the scene. Packing materials, two electrical grinding machines, a drying oven, an electric compressing machine, a truck with a secret compartment as well as other equipment were also discovered,” said Brigadier Jay Naicker of the SAPS provincial commissioner’s office.
The drugs and raw materials are estimated to be valued at millions of rand, he added.
SAPS provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said they were pleased with this breakthrough as this meant that a large consignment of drugs would be removed from the streets.
“The investigation will be handed over to the Hawks and we hope that the perpetrators will be brought to book,” said Mkhwanazi.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE