AFU seizes R178.6m assets from alleged drug syndicate
The Asset Forfeiture Unit has seized R178.6m worth of assets from an alleged large-scale mandrax manufacturing syndicate operating in Standerton, Mpumalanga.
A farm, luxury vehicles and drug-making equipment are some of the valuables seized from an alleged large-scale illicit mandrax manufacturing syndicate.
They were attached by the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit in Mpumalanga after an order granted by the Mpumalanga High Court (Middelburg). The syndicate is also accused of money laundering offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, reports News24.
NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the investigation by into an alleged organised criminal operation focused on three locations: 21 Factory Street, Standerton; Rooikoppen Farm near Standerton; and 18 Mahonie Street, Flora Park, Standerton.
She said on 4 April last year, a multidisciplinary law enforcement team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at 21 Factory Street, where officers allegedly found large quantities of chemicals, industrial drums, machinery and equipment used in the production of illicit drugs.
During the operation, four Mozambican nationals were arrested.
Information gathered during the investigation led the authorities to Rooikoppen Farm, 5km away.
‘Police discovered a fully operational clandestine mandrax laboratory containing industrial tanks, chemicals, machinery, ovens, sieves, scales and protective equipment,’ Nyuswa stated, adding that two more Mozambican nationals were arrested at the farm.
According to News24, she said another search-and-seizure warrant was executed at 18 Mahonie Street, where police allegedly recovered tablet-pressing machinery, containers of finished powder product, a mandrax tablet and other equipment associated with drug production.
Three SA suspects were arrested at the property.
Nyuswa said a financial investigation by the Hawks found that several assets were allegedly registered in the names of relatives or associates of the syndicate.
At the same time, other people allegedly controlled, financed, or benefitted from them, she added.
Since the arrests, one suspect died, and another fled after being released on R100 000 bail.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
