The Hawks have swooped on a 39-year-old suspect and found drug manufacturing equipment along with chemicals that were allegedly used to manufacture illegal drugs.

JOINT EFFORT

The suspect was arrested by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in East Rand together with Johannesburg Crime Intelligence and K9 on Thursday. According to Hawk's spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase, members acted on information about Mandrax tablets being manufactured at a certain premise. He said members surrounded the area and 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 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," said Nkwalase. 

A JOB WELL DONE 

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa applauded the team for a swift response and successful arrest. "We appeal to the public to always act positively and report suspicious activities related to drug manufacturing and trafficking in Gauteng." The suspect is expected to appear at the Randfontein Magistrates Court on Monday, 05 June 2023 on charges of drug trafficking and fraud.