A 39-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Randfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 05 June 2023 on charges of drug trafficking and fraud.

He was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in East Rand together with Johannesburg Crime Intelligence and K9 in Zuurbekom, Bekkersdal on Thursday, 01 June 2023. They acted on information about mandrax tablets being manufactured at the premises and executed a search and seizure operation.

The joint police team swooped down on the suspect at the premises and found drug manufacturing equipment along with chemicals that were allegedly used to manufacture mandrax tablets. All equipment and chemicals were confiscated and the suspect was arrested. He was found in possession of a Zimbabwean and Mozambican passport documents which led to a charge of fraud. An additional charge of contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 may be added pending the ongoing investigation.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa applauded the team for their rapid response and successful arrest. He also added: “We appeal to the public to always act positively and report suspicious activities related to drug manufacturing and trafficking in Gauteng province”.

Source: South African Police Service